Some fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on Finidi George's surprise return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The 53-year-old was unveiled as the new head coach of Rivers United at a ceremony held at the club's secretariat in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, July 3.

This appointment marks a swift return to the NPFL dugout for the former Ajax winger, who recently stepped down as head coach of the national team.

The sudden turn of events has sparked a range of reactions from fans on social media platforms.

Many believe it's a wise move for the former international to return to the local league, where he can gain valuable experience before taking on a higher role.

Here are some reactions gathered from X (formerly Twitter):

_@Pinnacle5787:

That’s his class

_@Xharles_Miles:

Rivers relegating next season. Bookmark this Tweet

_@Talkative_Lagos:

Where he belongs to go and be playing the rubbish without pattern. They will sack him

_@cyrilhands:

Exactly where he belongs. Let him continue from there, hopefully he will gather more experience and become a better coach in future

_@bunnies04:

No formation coach. Obviously have cost us going to the world cup..

_@OladimejiIfeol7:

This is the job that fit in for him not the national team he need more experience to do the national team

_@nsikan19565200:

Na him level. Person never finish apprenticeship. Una give am shop to manage

_@neeswaid:

If only he had stayed at the Nigerian Premier League 😎 🚶🏃🚶🏃

_@fideliscyril1:

Rivers United exactly where he belongs

BACKGROUD

Finidi was appointed interim Super Eagles coach in March to lead the Nigeria in friendlies against Ghana and Mali following José Peseiro's departure after the 2023 AFCON.

He was later confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as the substantive head coach in late April, having served as Peseiro's assistant for 20 months.

However, Finidi stepped down from his role after just two games in charge, following Nigeria's poor performance in the World Cup qualifier matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.

The Super Eagles drew 1-1 against Bafana Bafana in Uyo and lost 2-1 to Benin in Abidjan, leaving Nigerians staring in the face of another possible failed World Cup campaign with just three points in four games.

After Finidi's disappointing start, the NFF decided to hire a foreign technical adviser, which led to his resignation as head coach.

Now, Finidi George will replace long-serving coach Stanley Eguma who was dismissed by the club last season.

Finidi previously won the NPFL with Enyimba FC in the 2022/2023 season.