‘We Have Missed Our Fans’, Says Rivers United Captain
Rivers United captain, Festus Austin, has said that the 10,560 spectators allowed by CAF to watch today’s CAF Champions League first leg home game against Al Hilal of Sudan will go a long way to put the team in high sprit as the fans have been “missed.”
The match holds at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Austin, who called on Rivers United fans to turnout massively to support the team, said that the team would not relent in their efforts to give their best when they meet the Sudanese.
Speaking to the club’s official website ahead of today’s tie, Austin urged the team’s supporters not to relent in supporting Rivers United throughout the duration of the duel.
“You know the NPFL is not in session. We have missed our fans, but this is the Champions League, and Rivers United are lucky that CAF approved fans to be back in the stands,” Austin said.
“This will go a long way to motivating the team. I will love fans of Rivers United to come out en masse to support the team.”
“Rivers United remains Nigeria’s only flag bearer in the tournament this season. Rivers United players are not under pressure to pick the group stage ticket. As players, we always look forward to winning and sometimes it comes with pressure.”
“But as professionals, we often know how to handle it. I think the management has done so well and have not put pressure on us. We feel relaxed, but what matters is our determination to deliver, and we are on the right track.”
Chidi Nwoke/The Guardian.
