The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and the state commissioner for sports, Boma Iyaye, have commended the organisers of the recently concluded Wike Cup for staging a hitch-free pre-season football tournament in Port-Harcourt.
The Governor who was represented at the grand finale by the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Rivers state, Desmond Akawor said the standard of play at the tournament was high.
He also expressed happiness that the state-sponsored team, Rivers United won the title.
“For the winner to be decided on penalties that shows that the standard here is very high.
“It is not just about the win, but to measure the standard of play which we have achieved. One thing that is convincing is that the investment in sports, especially football in the state is actually a worthwhile investment.”
Iyaye also praised the standard of the competition just as he added that this year’s edition was better than the inaugural edition.
“It has been a great improvement from the first edition. Despite the issue of COVID-19 and all that, we still have a successful tournament.
“If not for the pandemic, the stadium wouldn’t have contained fans that would have turned up, but we had to restrict them,” he said.
It will be recalled that Rivers United defeated Nigeria National League side, Bayelsa United, 5-4 on penalties after the regulation time ended 1-1.
