Ozoemena returns to Rivers United training after injury absence

Rivers United goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena has resumed full training after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for much of the second half of the 2025/26 season.

The home-based Super Eagles goalkeeper took part in the club’s preparations for Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday Eight fixture away to Abia Warriors, Completesports.com reports.

Ozoemena sustained the injury earlier this year and has since completed his rehabilitation. He is now nearing a return to competitive football, although he did not feature for Rivers United in their previous matches during his time on the sidelines.

His recovery is a boost for Rivers United as they seek to challenge for a second NPFL title.

The Pride of Rivers finished runners-up to Rangers International last season and will be aiming to go one step further in the current campaign under head coach Finidi George.

Ozoemena was included in Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), but a knee injury prevented him from appearing in the tournament.

His absence was also noted during the competition, when the goalkeeper remained unavailable while Nigeria prepared for their matches. He has now returned to group training with Rivers United as the club continues its domestic campaign.