By Victor Kanayo
A Nigeria Governor, Nyesom Wike, has promised to reward each Rivers United player $40, 000 if they beat Esperance and qualify for the next stage of 2022/23 CAF Champions League season.
Rivers United, one of Nigeria’s representatives at the club competition are scheduled to confront experienced Esperance side from Tunisia on Sunday October 9, 2022 in Portharcourt, the state capital in the first leg encounter.
The return is scheduled a week later in Tunis.
However, a press statement by Sammy Wejinya, a Special Adviser to the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, revealed that the governor is using such reward strategy to boost players morale ahead of their clash with former the Champions League winners.
The statement sent to Heritage Times HT reads, “Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON, GSSRS, POS Africa has urged players of Rivers United to go for victory and glory in their two CAF Champions League games against African champions Wydad Athletic Club of Casablanca this month.”
“Rivers United will face the Moroccans in the first leg of their second round clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium this weekend with a win over two legs guaranteeing the victors a place in the money-spinning group stage of the competition.
“Governor Wike who was represented by the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green stated that the people of Rivers State and Nigeria are behind the team as they look to give the country creditable representation in Africa’s premiere club competition.
“The Governor, who is the number one fan of this club, has asked me to inform you all that the people of Rivers State are solidly behind you in this national project.
“I also want to let you know that the Governor has graciously approved the sum of $20,000.00 for each player for winning last season’s Nigeria Professional League title.
“The Governor has also announced that if you qualify for the group stages of the Champions League, you will receive $40,000.00 each.
“So go out there and compete with dignity, honour and the traditional Rivers spirit to put smiles on the faces of Rivers people and indeed all Nigerians.”
Plateau United is another club still representing Nigeria in the CAF Champions League.
Kwara United is also flying the country’s flag high in the current campaign of the CAF Confederation Cup, another continental club competition. They will also be in action this weekend against their respective opponents.
