Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Rivers State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN has hailed the state-owned football teams Rivers United and Rivers Angels for picking deserved slots to represent the country in next season’s CAF Champions League for Men and Women.
Rivers United, by the virtue of a judgment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s Appeals Committee on Tuesday, cemented their second position on the league table and in essence, a slot to play continental football for the second season running.
Rivers Angels on their own finished second at the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) UFOA B tournament concluded in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire last week after surrendering their 100% record to Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies in the final.
In a statement signed by the state Chairman, Sarah David; the body classified both teams’ exploits as testaments to the enormous support and resources made available by the government of Rivers State under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
The Association congratulated the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir Honour Sirawoo, and other well-meaning stakeholders in the state on the returns by the football teams.
SWAN Rivers also noted the disappointment among players and officials of Rivers Angels’ after the excruciating 1-3 loss to the Ghanaians in the final and stressed that it was a necessary learning curve for Nigeria’s most successful women’s football team to excel in the future.
SWAN Rivers also called on the state government to ensure that the best preparation is given to both teams to ensure that the state’s name is portrayed in the most glorious lights in their respective competitions.
The association emphasized that the period between the conclusion of the (NPFL season and UFOA B) Championships and the commencement of the continental campaigns should not be seen as a rest period, but a time for serious hard work and diligent preparations which would help in the quest to conquer Africa.
SWAN Rivers further implored all football stakeholders in the state to rally round and give the Pride of Rivers and the Jewel of Rivers every necessary support which can help the teams to bring the continental trophies back to Nigeria and most especially, Rivers State.
