Former Rivers United captain Nyima Nwagua has finally opened up about the real reason behind his NPFL exit, claiming that it wasn’t about chasing “oil money” in Saudi Arabia.

The 32-year-old striker, now gearing up for his second season with Saudi’s second-division side Al Sadd FC, spoke exclusively to Grassroot Legends Media after a preseason clash in PortHarcourt, Footballrover reports.

“Rivers United Is Part of My DNA,” Says Nwagua

When asked whether he missed playing for Rivers United, Nwagua didn’t hesitate:

— “Yeah! I do; it’s my team, and it’s part of my DNA right now. I’m from Rivers State, and Rivers United is our own. Once a Rivers United, always a Rivers United. I always follow them up, all their matches. I have my friends still there; we have our legend (Finidi George) the coach there, so I still follow the team and wish them all the best.”

It shows how strongly he feels about the NPFL champions he helped win the title in 2022 after joining from Kano Pillars the year before.

Nwagua on NPFL Exit: “I Left for Greener Pastures, Not Oil Money”

The question of “oil money” has long lingered over his NPFL exit, but Nwagua set the record straight:

— “The truth is, whenever you leave the Nigerian league, you always end up having situations like this. Because, one way or the other, our league is still growing, and we still pray because each year, we get a better one than the previous one. I know by the special grace of God, it will still get to that point; our league will be paying oil money also.”

— “We give God the glory. I left for greener pastures and experience. You know, you cannot be a champion in one area. At least, I can now say I’ve tested this area and know how it feels like. So, that’s just how I see it.”

Now with Al Sadd FC, Nwagua continues to thrive abroad. He joined the Saudi outfit on a free transfer after his contract with Rivers United expired.

Before leaving the NPFL, Nwagua had stints with Lobi Stars and Kano Pillars, racking up 49 goals and 3 assists in 234 appearances across domestic and continental games.

He featured in the dramatic 2018 Federation Cup final, where Kano Pillars lost to Enugu Rangers, but bounced back to win the trophy in 2019.

However, it was his 2022 NPFL title win with the Garden City side that carved his name into the club history.

The forward’s move to Saudi Arabia may have marked a new chapter, but his heart clearly remains in the Bole and Fish City.

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Last Updated on August 11, 2025 12:09 pm by Sir Kris