CAF Cup: Wike showers N20m on Rivers United to beat Enyimba

Governor Nyesom Wike has told the players and officials of Rivers United Football Club to beat Enyimba in Aba in the first leg, 2nd Preliminary Round of the CAF Confederation Cup this Sunday and get N20m cash.

The Rivers State governor stated this at the Government House, Port Harcourt where he presented two brand new buses to Rivers United and Rivers Angels Football clubs, both owned by the state government.

While Rivers United got a state-of-the-art luxurious bus, fitted with numerous gadgets, Rivers Angels got a 30-seater coaster bus, for which, however, the governor has approved that the team also gets a luxurious bus like their male counterpart.

Governor Wike charged Rivers United to go ahead and win the CAF Confederation Cup and watch their lives changed through rewards, just as he also tasked Rivers Angels to qualify for CAF Women Champions League and watch their lives changed tremendously.

He went further to motivate both teams by promising them N10m for every away victory in their quest to win all available laurels in the continent and local leagues, just as he donated a coaster bus to Rivers United Supporters’ Club and ambulances to the teams.

Wike commended both teams for bringing a positive image to the state, pointing out that sports can serve as a catalyst for development. He assured that the state government will not relent in providing all necessary support to both teams.

Earlier, both Rivers Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye and President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Sir Honour Sirawoo had commended Governor Wike for his vision and drive to promote sports development in the State and serve as a reference point in Nigeria.

Iyaye noted that in donating the luxurious bus to Rivers United, it became the first team in Nigeria and sub-Sahara West Africa to have such a vehicle, adding that it will go a long way in motivating the players to give their best.

He stressed that the governor was bequeathing a legacy that would be difficult to surpass, especially with the setting up of Real Madrid Football Academy, upgrading of sporting facilities in the state and, regular payment of players and officials of state-owned teams.

Iyaye stated that the best way for the teams to reciprocate the gesture of the governor is to win all trophies within sight on the local scene and in continental competitions.

Sir Sirawoo in his remarks said, Governor Wike has proven beyond doubts that he is truly the Power of Sports In Africa as bestowed by the AIPS, adding that the governor was giving generations a lifetime opportunity to excel in all spheres of sports.

The General Manager of Rivers Angels, Matilda Otuene; Technical Manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma and Captain, Festus Austin all commended Governor Wike for his genuine concern and support to the clubs.