Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Friday February 16, hosted Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali following his performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

During the occassion, the governor announced an N20 million reward for Nwabali, and also stated that he would be honored with the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State.

Fubara praised Rivers-born Nwabali for his exceptional display at the just-concluded 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast.

Fubara said: “I want to join the great and wonderful people of Rivers State to congratulate you, our brother Stanley Nwabali and our wonderful team. We are here again in just about four months after your winning a local trophy.

“Today, you have brought a national trophy. So, when people say or talk behind to ask what we are doing, we are achieving those things that are not, maybe, seen physically but they give joy and fulfilment.

“If we have not encouraged you in a way that motivated you, you won’t be where you are. So, it is part of purposeful governance, administrative efficiency. So, I want to thank you and assure you that we will continue to do our best.”

The governor urged Rivers people to continue to consciously do positive things that promote the state and attract honour.

Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, applauded Fubara for his support that motivated the Rivers Hoopers basketball team to clinch the national League trophy as champions.

Also speaking, a former Commissioner for Justice and one-time Super Eagles player, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, while recognising the impact of sports development in the state, commended Fubara’s purposeful leadership.