Wike Plans Real Madrid Tour For Rivers United

TAIWO ADELU

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Rivers United will prepare for the 2017 CAF Champions League in Madrid, Spain.

The announcement was made Saturday by the Governor of Rivers State, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (CON).

Governor Wike, a Real Madrid CF fan, explained that the move was geared towards exposing the team to state-of-the-art facilities and international exposure ahead of their maiden expedition in Africa’s premier club competition.

“I want Rivers United to win the 2017 CAF Champions League title and to facilitate this, I want to see that our boys are exposed by going for their training outside the country.

“The team will go to Madrid because Real Madrid have a culture of winning titles on a consistent basis.

“We are proud of you and will do everything to equip you for the CAF Champions League,” Wike said at a grand reception/dinner in honour of the team at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.

Rivers United finished in second place in last season’s NPFL with 60 points from 36 matches and they secured a place in the 2017 CAF Champions League.

The governor also rewarded players and officials of the team following their impressive feat in the just concluded League.

Impressed with the feat, Governor Wike announced that players and members of the management will receive financial rewards for a good display in their maiden season with the club in the Nigerian top flight.

“You have done well and we (the Rivers State Government) would have done more if you had won the league title. Each of the players and every member of the management team will receive N500,000 while the technical manager, Stanley Eguma will receive N1 million,” Wike said at the reception/dinner.

The Governor said the financial reward was aimed at appreciating the effort of the team and also motivating them ahead of the upcoming season. He also approved for immediate release of a brand new Luxurious bus for the club, while members of the Rivers United will receive a brand new Coaster Bus.

Meanwhile, Sunday Rotimi and Bernard Ovoke were among the five Rivers United players honoured by the Rivers State Government on Saturday for spectacular displays in the just concluded season.

Rotimi was voted as the club’s best player as he won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Ovoke who sparkled for long stretches won the award set aside for the club’s top scorer after following the 11 goals he scored in all competitions (nine in the Nigeria Professional Football League and two in the Federation) last season.

Club captain, Festus Austin was also not left out as his teammates voted for him as the most dedicated/disciplined member of the club.

Christian Weli, who played in all of the club’s games last term won the ‘Most Consistent Player’ award while the best home grown player award was scooped by midfielder, Obomate Frederick.