Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared the readiness of his administration to host more international football matches as part of efforts to promote sports and also to prove that the state is safe for everybody.
The governor, who stated this while receiving the national executive of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at Government House, Port Harcourt at the weekend stressed that “the state has the capacity to host FIFA and other international matches.”
“We decided to host the match as part of our contributions to sports development and also to prove that Rivers state is safe for everybody.
“I also was to commend the Nigeria Football Federation for giving us this opportunity to prove to everybody that we have the capacity and the right atmosphere to host all manner of matches,” he stressed further.
He stated his administration’s resolve to focus on grassroots development of all Sports to return the state as a top player in the sector.
On the promise of $30,000 for every goal scored by the U-23 team against their Congolese counterpart, the governor said the gesture was aimed at motivating the players to do the nation proud.
“I feel we should motivate the boys to give their best. I believe when you motivate them, they will put in extra efforts to perform well.”
The governor, while thanking the national executive of SWAN for the visit and for appreciating his administration’s commitment to sports development and promotion, said his government would not lose focus in its determination.
On request by the executive to host the full council meeting of the association, Governor Wike gave an express approval, saying the state government would be happy to host such as important body of sports writers in Nigeria.