Rivers United Step-Up Preparations with Enyimba Clash, ValueJet Cup and New Signings

Rivers United have stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season after confirming their participation in the 2026 ValueJet Cup and promoting academy graduate Sotonye Samuel to the senior team.

The Port Harcourt club announced on Monday that it will compete in the ValueJet Cup, scheduled to hold from August 9 to 16 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The pre-season competition will feature nine top-flight clubs playing in a single-league format as they fine-tune preparations for the new campaign.

Ahead of the trip to Ogun State, Rivers United will face former NPFL champions Enyimba in a high-profile pre-season friendly in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, providing another opportunity for the technical crew to assess the squad before the ValueJet Cup begins.

The club has also rewarded one of its brightest young talents, with Sotonye Samuel earning promotion from the academy to the senior team. The youngster has been handed the No. 36 jersey after impressing enough to secure a place in the first-team squad.

Announcing the promotion, Rivers United wrote: “From the Academy to the Senior Team… Sotonye Samuel has earned his place in the Pride of Rivers! The journey starts now.”

Preparations have gathered momentum following Rivers United’s 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors in a pre-season friendly on Sunday. Goalkeeper Ifeanyi Nchekwube emerged as the hero after producing a dramatic 89th-minute penalty save to preserve the narrow win, capping an impressive defensive display by the Pride of Rivers.

The club has also strengthened its squad with the signing of Salman Abubakar, who joins from Enyimba. Rivers United officially welcomed the new arrival on social media, describing the move as another important addition ahead of what promises to be a demanding domestic and continental campaign.