Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has rewarded each player of the Rivers United Football Club with cash prizes and two weeks visit to Madrid, Spain following their win in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League.
Members of the Rivers United Football Club, their coach and management have also been conferred with the State’s prestigious ‘Governor Service Award’.
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During a colourful reception held at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday, Governor Wike, who acknowledged the team’s sacrifice, determination and hard work throughout the 2021/2022 league season, rewarded each player with $20,000.
Wike said, “Each of you will go home with $20,000. For me, you deserve more than that, but because of the economy. If not you deserve more than this. You have done well, and let me tell you if you qualify in the group stage of this CAF (Confederation of African Football) competition, we will double it for you.”
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has directed the Commissioner of Sports, Chris Green, to arrange for a two weeks training session for the Rivers United team in Madrid, Spain.
The governor explained that the government and people of Rivers State are delighted that Rivers United won the coveted NPFL trophy.
“I am not surprised because I saw your dedication and commitment and I knew that he who works hard, God will always give him the support to emerge victorious,” he said.
Governor Wike further urged Rivers United players to strive to be physically and psychologically prepared in order to excel during the Confederation of African Football competition next season.
He said, “You need to be prepared psychologically in order to face other competitors. We are talking about Africa, not West Africa. So, you have such a huge task. You must be prepared in order to achieve. However, our government must do everything humanly possible to encourage you.”
Speaking at the occasion, the Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Chris Green, explained that Rivers United did not only win the league season in style, but they also broke all the records.
Similarly, Rivers United coach, Stanley Eguma, explained that the club’s victory was not achieved on a platter of gold.
He commended the governor for his unrelenting support of the club and assured him of their preparedness to dominate the African continent in the next season.
