Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye has charged players of Rivers United FC to go for glory in Sunday’s Total CAF Confederation Cup (TotalCAFCC) game against Futuro Kings De Mongomo.
United will face the Equatorial Guinean side at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in a preliminary round second leg clash, eight days after losing the first leg 1-2 at the Estadion de Mongomo.
“Let me on behalf of the Rivers State government welcome you back from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. We want to assure you that what happened there is a different ball game from what will happen here on Sunday.
“Rivers people are with you. Unfortunately, we cannot open the stadium for spectators and all your fans to come and watch you because of covid-19 protocol but the few persons that will have access to the stadium will give all the support you will need. All you need is, go and redeem your image and remember you are the pride of Rivers State. So believe in yourself,” said Iyaye while addressing the players.
He adds: “The Governor has assured that funding Rivers United to the final of the CAF Confederation Cup will not be an issue. All he needs from you is result.
“Just give him the result. Give him the results for Rivers people to cheer you up. Give us results so we will be proud of you and the rest will be history. So let me tell you that on Sunday, we wish you all the best and we believe that you will not disgrace not just Rivers State but Nigeria as a whole.”
Responding, captain of the team and experienced centre back Festus Austine thanked the Rivers State Government for its consistent support while promising that the boys will fight hard to do the country proud on Sunday.
“I want to thank you for making out the time to give us this pep talk.
“We are professionals and we want to assure you that we will not let the country down on Sunday,” he said after Friday’s training session.
Sunday’s game will kickoff at 4pm Nigerian time at the stadium which last hosted a football match in July 18, 2018. Should Rivers United successfully overturn the 1-2 deficit, they will most definitely face South African side Bloemfontein Celtic.
