Rivers state governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared the readiness of his administration  to host more international football matches as part of efforts to promote sports and also to prove that the state is safe for everybody.

The governor, who stated this while receiving the national executive of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at Government House, Port Harcourt at the weekend stressed that “the state has the capacity to host FIFA and other international matches.”

“We decided to host the match as part of our contributions to sports development and also to prove that Rivers state is safe for everybody.

“I also was to commend the Nigeria Football Federation for giving us this opportunity to prove to everybody that we have the capacity and the right atmosphere to host all manner of matches,” he stressed further.

On the promise of $30,000 for every goal scored by the U-23 team against their Congolese counterpart, the governor said the gesture was aimed at motivating the players and doing the nation proud.

“I feel we should motivate the boys to give their best. I believe when you motivate them, they will put in extra efforts to perform well.”

The governor, while thanking the national executive of SWAN for the visit and for appreciating his administration’s commitment to sports development and promotion, said his government would not lose focus in its determination.

On request by the executive to host the full council meeting of the association, Governor Wike gave an express approval, saying the state government would be happy to host such as important body of sports writers in Nigeria.

He also donated a brand new bus to the state branch of SWAN, in addition to fulfilling the pledge by previous administration of N2 million promised them.

Earlier, the national president of SWAN, Mr Saidu Abubakar had congratulated the governor on his electoral victory and subsequent assumption of office.

He also commended the governor for accepting to host the U-23 fixture and the national executive of SWAN at short notice, stressing that such gesture underlined the capacity of the governor.

The SWAN boss said in paying the outstanding eight months salaries of players of Sharks, Dolphins and Rivers Angels, Governor Wike has shown will and capacity of his commitment to promote sports in the state.

He disclosed that Rivers has been granted the rights to host the full council meeting of SWAN and requested the governor to support the hosting of the meeting.