Nigeria Ambassador To Congo Hosts Rivers United In Brazzaville

'Deji

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Congo, Ambassador Deborah Samaila IIiya, organized a reception for players and officials of Rivers United FC. as the team prepares to depart Congo for Nigeria after confronting Diables Noirs in a CAF TotalEnergies Confederation's Cup group B tie on Sunday.

The Pride of Rivers contingent was treated to a lunch reception at the Nigeria House on Monday. 

Represented by the Chargé D'affaires of the Nigerian Embassy Mr Boco Effiom, the Ambassador charged the players and officials to put behind the loss of Sunday and ensure they bounce back to winning ways in subsequent matches.

"You are here on behalf of our Country and we thank you so much, even though what happen yesterday (Sunday) was unfortunate which is part of the game of football. It's either you win or you loose. I know that by the time the Congolese will go back to Nigeria for the return match, the result will be different. We felt that as you are here, the mere fact that you choose to inform us that you are coming here is very very commendable. Because most Nigerian when they travel out they don't inform the embassy, so for informing us, we thank you so much and we are duty bound to welcome you no matter how small it is. That is why we said before you go we let you know where your house is. Because this is the only place you have outside the shores of Nigeria as you are here in the Republic of Congo. This is why where is called the Nigeria house. We thank you so much and we hope that you shouldn't allow the result of the match to dampen your image. We hope that future encounters will be better.

In his response, General Manager of Rivers United, Dr Okey Kpalukwu JP thanked the Ambassador and the entire Nigerian community in Congo for the hospitality accorded the team.

" We are very sorry for what happened yesterday (Sunday), it wasn't our plan, it wasn't part of us. We are Nigerian champion but we didn't know what happened but all the same, that's the way football is played. You play, you win, you loose. We lost gallantly yesterday and we are here to promise you that when we get back to Nigeria, we are going to put our house in order and turn things around. We thank you for your hospitality, your warm reception, all the way from the airport, you never stopped. You followed us to the stadium, gave us the necessary support with your staff. We are very grateful. 

Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation, accompanying secretary Mr Dalanmi Alanana thanked the Ambassador and assured that Rivers United will ensure they qualify to the next stage of the competition.

Captain of the side Festus Austin who spoke on behalf of the players was fully of appreciation to the Ambassador stating that the team will make amends beginning from their next match.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of a plaque to Rivers United by the Nigerian Ambassador and presentation of replica jerseys to the Ambassador by Rivers United.