Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike on Saturday announced that Rivers United Football Club would prepare for next year’s CAF Champions League under the guidance of Real Madrid.
The Port Harcourt side, who came second in the Premier League, will represent Nigeria in the 2017 CAF Champions League alongside Enugu Rangers, who won the Nigerian topflight.
The governor also announced a reward of N1m for the coach of the team, Stanley Eguma, and N500,000 each for other management staff and players.
Speaking during a dinner for the team at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike promised that the state government would support the outfit in their bid to win the CAF Champions league next year.
He recalled that in just seven months, the club had grown to be a force in the nation’s football family following its exploits.
He commended the management and players of the club for doing the state proud in the course of the 2015/2016 Premier League season.
He also praised Imama Amapakabo, an indigene of the state, who helped Rangers win the Premier League for the first time in 32 years.
The state government donated a bus to Rivers United and another one to the supporters’ club.
He said that the merger of Sharks and Dolphins was a worthwhile decision that had united football fans across the state.
credit: punchng