The Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has promised to offer $40,000.00 to each player if Rivers United qualifies ahead of Defending Champions Wydad Athletic Club in the CAF Champions League playoff.
He has already approved the sum of $20,000.00 for each player for winning last season’s Nigeria Professional League title.
At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Rivers United will take on the Moroccans in the first leg of their second-round match this weekend.
The match’s victor goes to the prestigious group stage of the competition with a victory over two legs.
According to Wike, who was represented by Barrister Chris Green, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, the team has the support of the residents of both Rivers State and Nigeria as they work to provide their country with respectable representation in Africa’s top club competition.
“The Governor, who is the number one supporter of our club, and the people of Rivers State are solidly behind you in this national initiative,” said Green.
“I also want to inform you that the Governor graciously granted the payment of $20,000.00 to each player for winning the Nigeria Professional League championship last year,”
“The Governor has also declared that you would receive $40,000.00 apiece if you advance to the Champions League group stages,”
So, he advised, “go out there and compete with dignity, honour, and the typical Rivers spirit to put smiles on the faces of Rivers people and all Nigerians,”
Club captain Festus Austine reacted by expressing his gratitude to the Governor and Commissioner and promising that the players would put forth great effort to repay Governor Wike and the people of Rivers State for their faith in them.
