Wike doles out N7m to Rivers United for 3SC’s 3-1 defeat

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers has splashed N7 million on Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt for defeating 3SC of Ibadan 3-1 in their NPFL encounter on Sunday.

A statement by Sammy Wejinya, Special Adviser on Media to the Rivers Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, made the disclosure on Monday in Port Harcourt.

The statement said that the government had also earmarked N3.5 million for the club each time it gets a draw away from home in their remaining matches of this season.

It said Wike on Sunday matched his word with action after he watched Rivers United in a competitive game for the first time and doled out the amount.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Ipalibo Harry-Banigo and Iyaye were among dignitaries that watched the match.

According to the statement, Rivers United has impressed the governor in the ongoing season and is still in the race for glory in both the NPFL and Federation Cup.

As part of plans to adequately motivate the club, the governor outlined several incentives which should spur the players and officials as the season enters the home stretch.

For an away win in any of their remaining matches in this season’s NPFL, the sum of N7 million has been earmarked as financial incentive,’’ it said.

The statement said Wike had also promised the team 50,000 dollars if it defeats either Julius Atete FC or Enyimba International in the quarter-finals of the Federation Cup.

Wike disclosed that a special package awaits the football club if they reached the last four of the oldest football competition in Nigeria,’’ the statement added.

Rivers United is currently in the third place on the NPFL standings with 44 points from 26 games.