Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (CON) on Sunday matched words with action as he watched Rivers United in a competitive game for the first time.
He was present at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt as Rivers United beat Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) 2-0 in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game.
United have impressed this season and are still in the running for glory in both the NPFL and the Federation Cup.
As part of plans to adequately motivate the club, Wike outlined several incentives which should spur players and officials of the club as the season enters the home strait.
The governor splashed N7 million on the football club for the win over 3SC in Port Harcourt on Sunday with a further N3.5 million set as the financial carrot each time the football club earns a draw away from home in the NPFL this season.
For an away win in any of their remaining matches in this season’s NPFL, N7 million has been earmarked .
The Rivers State chief executive also promised $50,000 U if the team defeats either Julius Atete FC or Enyimba International FC in the quarter final of this year’s Federation Cup.
The governor also revealed that a ‘special package’ awaits the football club if they reach the last four of the oldest football competition.
Rivers United is currently in third place on the NPFL standings with 44 points from 26 games, two points adrift of the leaders, Enugu Rangers.