Nigeria, July 19, 2016 – Rivers United captain, Festus Austin believes the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike (CON) will act as the catalyst that will see the club win the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title this season.
Governor Wike was present at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt as United overcame Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) 2-0 in an NPFL contest.
The Governor promptly rewarded the United team with a cash gift of N7 million (about $24,000.00 USD) for the win against 3SC in Port Harcourt. He further revealed that subsequent NPFL victories on the road for the club will attract the same financial reward (N7 million) while way draws will attract half that sum (N3.5 million).
A win for the club in the upcoming Federation Cup quarter final final fixture against either Julius Atete FC or Enyimba FC will see them receive a $50,000.00 USD reward from the Governor. Austin has now taken the time to appreciate the gesture of the Governor ahead of his teammates.
“I have never seen anything like this since I became a professional foot baller and on behalf of my teammates, I want to thank the Governor. We know what is expected of us and every player of Rivers United has vowed to give one hundred percent at every opportunity until we achieve our set objectives.
“After the game against 3SC on Sunday, the players had a meeting and we have resolved that we will present both the NPFL title and Federation Cup to the Governor,” he told Rivers United. Rivers United is currently in third place on the NPFL standings with 44 points from 25 matches in the NPFL, two points adrift of the leaders, Enugu Rangers.
