Rivers United Coach Yema ‘Taps Into’ Iheanacho’s Celtic Title Magic Ahead of NPFL Final-Day Decider

Rivers United’s assistant coach Yemi Olanrewaju, widely known as ‘Yema,’ has made no secret of where he is drawing motivation ahead of the Nigeria Premier Football League’s (NPFL) final matchday on Sunday, May 24. In a widely circulated social media exchange, Olanrewaju responded to a celebratory Instagram post by Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho with a message that has since galvanised his club’s preparations: “I tap into your grace in one week’s time…”

The comment was directed at Iheanacho following Celtic’s dramatic final-day 3-1 victory over Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, a result that clinched the title in decisive fashion. Iheanacho, who came off the bench during the match, marked the occasion by posting a photo with the trophy and a caption that read: “If you need a trophy, call me. What a dramatic season. MostHighGod has done it.”

Olanrewaju’s public response to the Celtic star was not merely social media banter — it has set the tone for Rivers United’s training week as the club prepares for its own high-stakes finale. The Port Harcourt-based side currently sit one point behind log leaders Enugu Rangers, meaning the title race remains mathematically alive but no longer within Rivers United’s sole control.

For the Pride of Rivers to lift the NPFL trophy, two conditions must be met simultaneously on the final matchday. First, Rivers United must secure all three points at home in Port Harcourt against Katsina United, a side capable of causing an upset. Second, they require Ikorodu City to either draw or defeat Enugu Rangers at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Critically, Ikorodu City are themselves fighting for a CAF Confederation Cup berth, which means they are unlikely to approach the fixture without genuine competitive intent.

The scenario closely mirrors the pressure Celtic managed in Glasgow — a club not entirely in control of its own destiny, relying on results elsewhere while fulfilling its own obligations on the pitch. Olanrewaju’s deliberate invocation of that narrative suggests the coaching staff is using Iheanacho’s story as both a tactical and psychological frame for the week ahead.

Olanrewaju serves as assistant to head coach Finidi George, the former Nigeria international. The pair previously worked together at Enyimba, where they won the NPFL title two seasons ago, giving them direct experience of navigating a title-winning campaign. That background lends weight to their ability to manage the pressure of a final-day decider.

Enugu Rangers, as table-toppers, hold the advantage heading into the final round. They face Ikorodu City away from home at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, a fixture that could prove pivotal. Should Rangers secure a draw or victory, the title remains theirs regardless of what Rivers United do in Port Harcourt.

The NPFL final matchday on May 24 will determine the destination of the 2025/26 league title. Rivers United’s hopes rest on a combination of their own result and a favourable outcome in Lagos — a narrow but entirely plausible path to glory, and one that Olanrewaju appears intent on pursuing with confidence borrowed, in part, from the drama of a Glasgow title race.