08/06/2026
RIVERS UNITED PLAYERS COMMEND MANAGEMENT AS TEAM BEGINS END-OF-SEASON BREAK
Players of Rivers United Football Club have commended the club management for its commitment to player welfare as the team begins its end-of-season break.
Team captain Temple Emekayi delivered the appreciation on behalf of the squad following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 campaign. He praised the management led by General Manager *Chief Dr. Okey Kpalukwu* for providing a stable and professional environment throughout the season.
Emekayi acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the Nigeria Premier Football League title after finishing second, but said the players were grateful for the support received from the board, technical crew, and backroom staff.
“I want to say a very big thank you to the management and coaches of Rivers United,” Emekayi said. “From the beginning of this season, they worked tirelessly to ensure all our bonuses, salaries, and welfare were taken care of. There were no complaints of any sort. Our target was to win the NPFL title, but we fell short and finished second. By next season, we will do better.”
The captain apologized to the Rivers State Government, the people of Rivers State, and supporters for failing to lift the trophy despite coming close. He expressed optimism ahead of the 2026/2027 season.
“On behalf of myself and the players, we apologize to the Rivers State government, the people of Rivers State, and our supporters for not winning the trophy this season, even though we came close,” he said. “Rivers United is known to be the best. I believe that next season, we will finish first, clinch the NPFL title, and perform well in other competitions.”
Emekayi also appreciated the General Manager and the former Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Chris Green, for their fatherly roles.
“GM Sir, we appreciate your fatherly role. Barrister Chris Green too, for the role he played to help us win the league, it cannot go unnoticed. We are sorry for letting you down by not lifting the trophy, but with the belief and trust you have in us, we know we will do better next season,” he added.
The captain reserved special praise for the technical crew and support staff for their dedication under difficult conditions.
“I want to thank the coaches for their unwavering support and commitment, on and off the pitch, under the rain and under the sun. They worked tirelessly to ensure we got results and that we were okay physically and mentally,” Emekayi stated.
“I also thank the supporters, the support staff, and everyone affiliated with Rivers United. Rivers United has one of the best management in Nigerian football.”
Rivers United’s 2025/2026 season ends after featuring in the NPFL, President Federation Cup, and CAF Champions League. The club confirmed that players and officials will now proceed on break, with preseason training set to resume on *28 June 2026* ahead of the new campaign.
Charles Mayuku
Media Officer, Rivers United FC
7 June 2026
