Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Monday commended the national U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, for winning the FIFA cadet championship in Chile.
Wike’s commendation is contained in a statement issued by his Special Assistant (Media), Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, in Port Harcourt.
The governor also congratulated the technical crew of the team for their hard work, display of soccer artistry and patriotism during their stay in Chile.
The statement quoted Wike as expressing happiness with the team for doing the nation proud and saying that the players would become world stars soon because of the professionalism they displayed.
It said that the state government would continue to promote sports and use it to empower youths in line with its development blueprint.
“Already, the Rivers State, since Governor Nyesom Wike assumed office, has played host to the Nigerian Super Eagles and other national teams in the state government’s bid to encourage sporting activities,” the statement said.
It also quoted Wike as saying that his administration had paid outstanding salaries owed players of Dolphins Football Club, Sharks Football Club and Rivers Angels Football Club by the immediate past administration.
The statement quoted Wike as reiterating government’s determination to make the state the sports hub of the country.

(NAN)