Wike redeems pledge, splashes $60k on U-23
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Monday redeemed his pledge to players of the Dream Team, following the team’s 2-1 victory over Congo in an African U-23 Championship qualifying game played on Sunday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
The Governor, who had promised the players the sum of $30,000 for every goal and $100,000 for a 3-0 win, addressed the players and officials at a reception hosted for the team, handed over the sum of $60,000 and expressed joy that the Dream Team played one of the best football he has seen in years.
“You guys made Nigerians proud with the way you played against the Congolese; you showed that the future of Nigeria football is bright and that the NFF is on the right path in putting the country’s football on the world map. All I can tell you guys is that if the Congolese can score a goal here, you can do more than that in Congo in the return leg. I am proud of you and so is the generality of Nigerians.”
Appealing to the NFF to bring more matches including those of the Super Eagles to Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said the Rivers State is ready to put the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium to full use as the edifice is one of the best in the country.
The Governor then disclosed that in a bid to ensure that the team gets all the support and prepares without distraction to excel in Congo in the return leg, he would be extending their stay in the Port Harcourt by another week.
Speaking earlier, NFF’s 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi on behalf of the leadership of the Federation thanked Governor Wike for the massive support he gave the team, including mobilizing over 40,000 spectators to sheer the Dream Team to victory at the Stadium.
He expressed delight that the Dream Team won the first competitive game played at the new stadium, which is a sign of good things to come.
Also in attendance at the party were the NFF’s 2nd Vice President, Shehu Dikko, NFF Executive Committee members Barr. Chris Green and Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau as well as the Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme.(PMNews)