Finidi Coup: 21-year-old striker reunites with ex-Eagles boss 5 months after dumping Nwankwo Kanu

Former NPFL top scorer, Chijioke Mbaoma has made a surprising return to Nigerian football by signing with Rivers United, just five months after his departure for Libya. 

The talented forward previously left Enyimba and Nwankwo Kanu to join Libyan powerhouse Al Ittihad SC, via heartland FC, but the reasons for his return remain unclear at the time of writing. 

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However, Pulse Sports Nigeria sources have indicated that Mbaoma has been expressing concerns about a lack of game time in Libya.

Mbaoma's journey has been eventful; after a standout season where he scored 17 goals for Enyimba and earned the NPFL Golden Boot, he was quickly signed by Al Ittihad SC. 

His move to Libya was anticipated to be a significant step in his career, but it appears that the playing opportunities did not materialise as expected.

After only one appearance for Heartland FC—where he featured in a 3-1 defeat to Rivers United—Mbaoma decided to cut his stint for a move to Libya last summer.

This transfer was seen at the time as a considerable setback for Heartland FC and their new manager, Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amuneke, who had hoped to build the team around Mbaoma.

But his shock return to Nigeria marks a new chapter as he reunites with former Super Eagles coach Finidi George, who also coached him at Enyimba, at Rivers United.

While he re-enters the NPFL, fans and league followers will be keen to see how Mbaoma performs under George’s guidance and whether he can regain his prolific scoring form in familiar territory.