THE Rivers Government on Thursday donated a 54-seater branded luxurious bus to the state-owned Rivers United FC to boost the team’s campaign in the Nigerian Professional Football League and CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC).
The state-of-the-art vehicle, alongside a Hilux Utility vehicle and an ambulance was handed over to the team by Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
The Governor also presented a branded Coaster bus, an ambulance and a Hilux Utility vehicle to Rivers Angels Football Club at a brief ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Wike, who also thanked the two state-sponsored teams “for promoting the image of Rivers State’’ through sports, said Rivers United would get N20 million if they defeat Enyimba in Aba on Feb. 14
The governor also assured Rivers United of more largess if they won the CAF Confederation Cup for Nigeria and the people and government of Rivers.
He said that the team’s supporters club would also get a brand new Coaster bus, adding that the affected teams should endeavor to `utilise what we have given to you’.
“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 (Rivers Angels) will change if you play in Africa. Win Enyimba 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.
The club is billed to play against Enyimba in the Total CCAFCC Playoff round first leg game in on Sunday in Aba.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, had noted that the governor’s attention to sports had been unrivaled, especially the establishment of `the star legacy project, the Real Madrid Football Academy.
Also speaking, the National President of SWAN, Honour Sirawoo, said the exploits of Governor Wike had been well-recognised by the body of international sports writers (AIPS), who, conferred on him the Power of Sports Africa.
In a related development, the management and players of Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt have been tasked to win the coveted CAF Confederation Cup for Nigeria and the people of Rivers for sustenance of football development
Felix Obuah, the Proprietor of `Go Round FC’ of Omoku in Rivers State made the call in Omoku when he doled out no less than N2 million to support the team’s campaign in 2021CAF Confederation Cup.
He said the money was meant to boost the team’s morale ahead of the continental derby against Enyimba FC on Feb.14 in Aba.
Obuah also commended Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers and Power of Sports (POS) Africa, for giving the team all required support to excel so far in the continent and the Nigerian Professional Football League.
He said that his support for the team was borne out of `love for good football’, adding that Rivers United was a reflection of the unity that in the State which should be encouraged.
Obuah said it was important for the team to do all within its powers to win the CAF Confederation Cup for the State and country because the state government would surely reward them.
He also announced the donation of N2m should the team defeat Enyimba in Aba, as well as N200,000 for each goal scored.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, who was present at the occasion, commended the founder of Go-Round Football Club over his continued support to Rivers United.
According to him, Obuah’s actions as sports philanthropist were testimonies of genuine love for sports development and particularly for the State government-owned football club.
He said that Rivers United had benefitted from Obuah’s financial promises after he tasked the team to win matches in the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup and get rewarded.
Iyaye, who led a team including the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Honour Sirawoo officials and players of Rivers United as well as supporters club, among others, said they were on the `thank you visit’ to Obuah.
The commissioner described Obuah’s gesture as unparalleled in the history of the state, stressing that outside the Rivers State Government, no other individual has done that much for the team.
He also lauded governor Wike, whom he said recently donated a 54-seater luxurious bus to Rivers United in line with his undiluted support for the Club.
He also emphasised that with such a support-base, the team have no other choice but to make Rivers people proud.
Also speaking, Sirawoo commended Obuah for his exemplary commitment to the cause of Rivers people, pointing out that his efforts for the team would not be in vain.
Sirawoo said that although, the Rivers State government was providing all necessary support for the club, encouragement from well-spirited Rivers people would serve as a further tonic.
The General Manager of Rivers United, Okey Kpalukwu, Technical Manager, Stanley Eguma, team Captain, Festus Austin, and chairman, Rivers United Supporters Club, Franklin Owhor, all lauded what they called the uncommon love for the team by Obuah.
