CAF/FIFA Instructor lectures Rivers United Players and Officials ahead of their CAF Champions League Matches

Gamers and officers of Nigeria Skilled Soccer League(NPFL) champions, Rivers United, have been addressed by the Commissioner for Sports activities of Rivers State, Barrister Chris Inexperienced on the afternoon of Thursday, 25 August, 2022 within the firm of retired referee and CAF/FIFA teacher, Peter Edibe.

Peter Edibe who’s the advisor for Rivers United forward of their inter-continental outing within the CAF Champions League was in Portharcourt as he lectured the Rivers United gamers and officers on the brand new and amended guidelines of soccer within the CAF Champions League.

“What I and the staff did (on Thursday afternoon) was to arrange them for the continental competitors they’re going into – the CAF Champions League,” Edibi stated.

“The essential issues we checked out have been the amendments by way of the applying and interpretation of the legal guidelines of the sport.

“We checked out (bodily) challenges (throughout matches), offsides, unlawful use of arms, we went to handball conditions, and others.

“I feel with these, the gamers are effectively geared up now to enter the (CAF Champions) League.

“We are going to proceed with the method (of educating the staff) as a result of it is a studying course of and it’ll not be a one off,” he stated.

Rivers United gained final season’s NPFL title with 4 video games to spare, taking part in swashbuckling, attacking soccer whereas sustaining the meanest defence within the division.

The “Satisfaction of Rivers” will now be trying to switch that dominance onto the continental stage as they form up for a two legged battle within the first (preliminary) spherical of the CAF Champions League towards Liberia champions, Watanga.

Rivers State Sports activities Commissioner, Barrister Inexperienced, who additionally attended the session on Thursday didn’t mince phrases as he weighed up the size of the duty to listening members of the membership.

“You might be all ambassadors of Rivers State and Nigeria within the upcoming CAF Champions League,” Barrister Inexperienced said.

“No Nigerian membership has gained this competitors since 2004 and a few years have handed since a Nigerian membership final reached the group levels of this competitors.

“We as Rivers United should go into this season’s competitors with a mindset of conquerors and we’re leaving no stone unturned in our drive to take part with distinction, delight and honour.

“It isn’t sufficient to only stroll into the pitch for video games with out a agency grasp of the principles of the sport.

“Taking part in with out data of the principles of the sport might be ineffective to us.

“So that you all have the chance to undergo the rudiments of the brand new guidelines of the sport by means of an professional, Mr. Peter Edibi.

“It is very important be conversant with the amended guidelines so that you (the gamers) get aquatinted and likewise assimilate what might be taught,” he implored.

The Sports activities chief concluded by reminding the gamers of continued assist from the sponsors, the Rivers State Authorities.

“We aren’t collaborating within the Champions League to make up the numbers,” he stated.

“The Governor of our pricey State (Rivers), His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has promised that every member of the staff will obtain $40,000.00 USD of you attain the group levels of the competitors.

“So you’ll be able to think about what is going to occur if the staff goes previous that stage and reaches the quarter finals, semis and even the ultimate.

“You (gamers and officers) additionally know what the administration of the staff will do for you should you carry out creditably within the competitors.

“So I implore you all to place in your best possible to make sure you make everybody proud.

“On our half as sponsors, we’ll be sure that the staff is completely ready and catered for in all respects.

“The refresher course co-ordinated by Peter Edibi is only a minute a part of our complete preparation of and for this staff, not simply fir continental video games however home exertions as effectively,” he concluded.

United will proceed with the following section of their preparations for the CAF Champions League once they make the journey to Ikenne, Remo, Ogun State the place they may take part within the Worth Jet Cup.

The competitors will even combine three of Nigeria’s different representatives in CAF’s inter membership competitions, specifically Plateau United, Remo Stars and Kwara United.