By Our Correspondent

River State Governor, Nyesom Wike has promised to gift River United players the sum of $40, 000 each if they reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League

The Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL champions will take on the defending champions in a two-leg tie with the aggregate winner qualifying for the group stage of the continent’s premier league

United will face the Moroccans in the first leg of their second round clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium this weekend with a win over two legs guaranteeing the victors a place in the money-spinning group stage of the competition.

Governor Wike who was represented by the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green stated that the people of Rivers State and Nigeria are behind the team as they look to give the country creditable representation in Africa’s premiere club competition.

“The Governor, who is the number one fan of this club, has asked me to inform you all that the people of Rivers State are solidly behind you in this national project,” Barr. Green said as he addressed players, coaches and officials of the club ahead of Sunday’s huge clash.

“I also want to let you know that the Governor has graciously approved the sum of $20,000.00 for each player for winning last season’s Nigeria Professional League title.

“The Governor has also announced that if you qualify for the group stages of the Champions League, you will receive $40,000.00 each.

“So go out there and compete with dignity, honour and the traditional Rivers spirit to put smiles on the faces of Rivers people and indeed all Nigerians,” he concluded.

In his response, club captain, Festus Austine thanked the Governor and Commissioner while adding that the players will strive to justify the confidence reposed in them by Gov. Wike and the people of Rivers State.

The defending champions will start the road towards retaining their title, with a tie against Nigeria’s Rivers United in Casablanca. Wydad clinched the title last season after victory over holders Al Ahly and with a new coach, they will be keen to make it back-to-back titles.

Walid Regragui, the man who led them to the crown last term, has been replaced by Houcine Ammouta. They have had a good start in the Botola Pro and are currently top of the standings after four matches with three wins and a draw.

Nigeria’s Rivers progressed to the second round after edging out Liberia’s Watanga FC 3-1 and they will be tasked with a mammoth task, taking out the defending champions

The match will kickoff by 4pm on Sunday with the return leg schedule on a week later at the Complex Mohammed V by 7pm in Casablanca