Rivers United have quickly put their CAF Champions League disappointment behind them, with Sole Administrator Barrister Christopher Green backing the squad with a ₦2 million bonus after their 2-0 NPFL victory over Warri Wolves.
The Pride of Rivers returned to action at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Wednesday determined to respond after their continental campaign ended against FC San Pedro, and Finidi George’s men delivered another important home performance.
Rather than dwell on the frustration of missing out on the CAF Champions League group stage, Green used the Warri Wolves victory to remind the players that the club remains firmly behind them.
“We still trust you. We know your quality; we know what you are made of,” Barrister Green told the players.
The message was particularly significant after the Pride of Rivers were eliminated by FC San Pedro in the preliminary round.
Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Côte d’Ivoire, Rivers United fought back twice in the return fixture in Uyo but eventually settled for a 2-2 draw, which was not enough to keep their continental journey alive.
Green’s words offered a timely reminder that the setback in Africa had not changed the club’s belief in Finidi’s squad.
And the players responded on the pitch.
The Garden City side secured their second consecutive NPFL victory with another 2-0 home win, maintaining a perfect start to their domestic campaign.
Shehu Dabai broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after Ochobi Elias helped create the opening inside the Warri Wolves penalty area.
Substitute Chinemerem Ugwueze had only been on the pitch for seven minutes when he found the net, finishing first time from a low delivery after Ochobi had surged down the right flank.
The result leaves Finidi’s men with six points from their opening two NPFL matches, with both victories coming on home soil.
After the final whistle, Green urged the players to enjoy the result while already looking ahead to their next challenge.
“For this match, just go and drink, enjoy yourselves, rest, and get ready; we are travelling to Nasarawa. I’ll give you people two million naira,” Mr Green added.
The reward gives the squad another lift as attention shifts away from their continental disappointment and towards the demands of the NPFL season.
The next assignment takes Rivers United to Lafia on Sunday for their first away game, with another trip to Katsina United following on Wednesday.
