Rivers' Governor Wike promises Eagles $20,000 per goal scored against Swazis in today's game

RIVERS State governor Nyesom Wike has promised to pay the Super Eagles $20,000 per goal when they take on Swaziland in a World Cup qualifier tonight at the Adokie Amesiemaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

 

In the second leg of the Russia 2018 qualifier, the Eagles play tonight after playing a barren draw away last Friday at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba. Under the schedule drawn up by Fifa, the winner of the two-legged tie will advance to the next round of the qualifiers and Nigeria has to beat Swaziland to proceed.

 

Looking to provide the team with a morale booster, Governor Wike has pledged $20,000 per goal scored tonight. Kenneth Kobani, the secretary to the Rivers State government who delivered the governor’s message when he visited the team's training camp, urged the boys to do all it takes to ensure victory.

 

Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has said he is very confident that his players will get the job done today despite their lacklustre performance on Friday. Given that Swaziland are ranked 134th by Fifa, the players have been criticised for their performance by fans who expected at least a win given their world ratings.

 

 Oliseh said: “It was a game that we went all out to win. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that but we thank God that at least we have made everything open for ourselves to just win today and qualify.

 

"We want to qualify and we will be going all out to win. So far, I have been impressed with the boys and the intensity of training."

 

Swaziland coach Harris Bulunga, has told the Nigeria Football Federation that he would play an attacking game in Port Harcourt as against the mostly defensive style his team adopted back home. It appears that the toothlessness of the Eagles has emboldened the Swazis.

 

Mr Bulunga added: “Yes, of course we were playing at home and in the first half we wanted to see how they came to meet us but we discovered that they were not that aggressive. It is not about them in their home because a score draw can put us through.”

 

Meanwhile, Governor Wike has expressed confidence that Nigeria will win the match, adding that Port Harcourt as a victory ground for national teams. He also promised that the team would be hosted to a victory reception by the state government after the match.