Rivers United bank on Eunisell tide for success

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They came agonizingly close to winning the title last season, but an unexpected home draw with Heartland of Owerri towards the end of the league put paid to their ambitions. Now, Rivers United are determined to ensure that nothing would stand on their way to the crown this term.

Part of their preparations for success was a tour of the Spanish La Liga, which gave them the opportunity to pitch their wits against some of the best organised clubs in the European country. According to officials of the club, the tour has equipped them such that they are now equal to whatever the likes of Enugu Rangers, Kano Pillars, Enyimba and FC IfeanyiUbah, among others, would throw at them. And then, they also have a renewed sponsorship agreement with Eunisell Limited.

Rivers United officials and players were in Lagos on Thursday to unveil the third leg of their sponsorship deal with the oil and gas company, which has been one of the reasons the club are rated among the best funded in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

At the event, which attracted football fans from all walks of life, as well as journalists and some officials of the League Management Company, owners of the Nigerian league, the club and sponsor were emphatic in their belief that this is Rivers United’s year to win the title.

Giving reasons for his company’s decision to put its resources in Rivers United, Eunisell Limited’s Managing Director, Chika Ikenga, said, “We are encouraged by the good performance of Rivers United and in keeping with our promise to stay with the club whether they fail or rise, we have renewed our shirt sponsorship agreement with them irrespective of the economic situation Nigeria.

“We are confident that the recent success provides them a strong platform to become not just the winners of the Nigerian Professional Football League but also continental champions.”

Ikenga at the forum announced a N10 million reward to Rivers United for their successes last season, including finishing second in the NPFL and winning the Super Four Championship.

He pledged that Eunisell would continue to reward the team for every feat achieved both locally and internationally.

Elated by Eunisell’s gesture, Rivers United’s General Manager, Okey Kpalukwu, emphasised that the NPFL title would not elude his club this season.

He said, “This is the second unveiling of the shirt sponsorship and I am sure Eunisell will help us to win the title this season. But we want to plead for the sponsorship to spill over to other aspects of the club to help us actualize that dream of winning the title.

“During our training tour of Spain, we wore Eunisell shirts, which drew attention to the company. We will play our CAF Champions League matches and league games wearing Eunisell shirts. We promise that we will make Nigerians proud in the continent.”