Gov. Nyesom Wike on Thursday in Port Harcourt promised Rivers United FC N20 million if they defeat Enyimba FC at the Total Confederation Cup playoff first leg on Saturday in Aba.
“Win Enyimba FC in Aba, get N20 million. Every away win attracts N10 million.
“Team officials will also be rewarded because what affects players also affects the technical crew,’’ Wike said as he gave a 54-seater luxury bus to the team.
Wike said at the ceremony that the bus and the prize money were meant to boost the team’s campaign at the Nigerian Professional Football League and at the CAF Confederation Cup.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team also got a Toyota Hilux utility vehicle and an ambulance from the Rivers government.
Wike also gave a Toyota Coaster bus, an ambulance and a Toyota Hilux utility vehicle to Rivers Angels FC at the ceremony.
He thanked the two state-sponsored teams for promoting the image of Rivers State.
The governor also assured Rivers United FC of more largesse if they win the CAF Confederation Cup for Nigeria and for the people and government of Rivers.
He said that the team’s Supporters Club would also get a brand new Toyota Coaster bus.
“We will not relent to support you to bring laurels to the state. If you (Rivers United) win CAF Cup, your lives will change. Your lives (Rivers Angels) will change if you play in Africa.
Earlier, Rivers Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, noted that the governor’s attention to sports had been unrivalled, especially with the establishment of the Real Madrid Football Academy in the state.
Also speaking, the National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Honour Sirawoo, said the exploits of Gov. Wike in sports had been well-recognised by the body of international sports writers.
He said this was why the international sports writers association conferred the award of Power of Sports in Africa on the governor. (NAN)
