To motivate the players ahead of tomorrow’s CAF Champions League match against visiting African champions, Wydad Athletic Club of Casablanca, Morocco, the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has dangled the sum of $40,000 on players of Rivers United to go for victory.

Rivers United will face the Moroccans in the first leg of their second-round clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium tomorrow with a victory over two legs guaranteeing the winner a place in the money-spinning group stage of the competition.

Wike, who spoke through Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Chris Green, said that the people of Rivers State and Nigeria are behind the team as they look to give the country creditable representation in Africa’s premier club competition.

“The Governor, who is the number one fan of this club, has asked me to inform you all that the people of Rivers State are solidly behind you in this national project,” Green said while addressing players, coaches, and officials of the club ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

He continues: “I also want to let you know that the Governor has graciously approved the sum of $20,000.00 for each player for winning last season’s Nigeria Professional League title.

“The Governor has also announced that if you qualify for the group stages of the Champions League, you will receive $40,000.00 each. So go out there and compete with dignity, honor, and the traditional Rivers spirit to put smiles on the faces of Rivers people and all Nigerians.”

Speaking on behalf of the players, Club captain, Festus Austine, thanked the Governor and Sports Commissioner for the gesture. He promised that the players would strive to justify the confidence reposed in them by Governor Wike and the people of Rivers State.

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