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By Amaechi Agbo

Ahead of the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers which commences today in Abidjan, Ivory Coast capital, Nigeria’s sole representative, Rivers Angels have been charged to make Rivers State and the country proud

The Commissioner for Youth and sports Development in the state, Mr Boma Iyaye who gave the charge on Thursday during the team’s sentforth ceremony as they departed for Abidjan, told them to reciprocate the good gestures of the state’s Governor, Neylsom Wike in supporting them adding that there is no room for excuse.

Mr Iyaye who thanked Wike for his commitment to sports development said that the governor had always responded to requests of the ministry.

“We requested for a Coaster Bus, he granted a Luxury Bus.

“We can see his investments in Real Madrid Football Academy, our children can now play football and be educated.

“There should be no excuse for failure, there is nothing like second best, everything has been provided for you, allowances, accommodation, etc.,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Rivers Governor on Real Madrid Football Academy, Mr Chris Green, said that Wike believed in competence.
Green, who is also the Chairman of Rivers Football Association, urged the club to achieve success.

“This is one opportunity by God to change your lives, do your best to get to the next stage.
“You are better than them, go for victory, you can do it, work as a team, that is the key,” he said.

Green said that Wike had approved training of 10 Rivers boys with the amateur side of Real Madrid FC of Spain.
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers Ministry of Sports, Honour Sirawoo, described the sendforth as unique.

Sirawoo said it was unique in the sense that the team was the greatest in Nigeria and first to qualify to represent the country in WAFU.
“This is a special project because sports is a development agenda of Gov. Wike; as such, this celebration is unique as a dividend of democracy,” he said.

The WAFU Zone B qualifiers will hold from July 24 to August 5, 2021.

Rivers Angels are paired in Group B along with Ghana champions, Hasaacas Ladies Football Club and Police Sports Association of Niger