The Rivers State Government on Friday said that the state-owned football clubs, Dolphins and Sharks, have been disbanded and merged into one team called Rivers United FC.
Commissioner for Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye, told newsmen in Port Harcourt, the state capital, that the government agreed to adopt Rivers United FC as its team name.
Iyaye said the government took the decision based on the current economic challenges facing the state and the nation at large.
“The government believes that if its resources were properly harnessed and concentrated in sponsoring one team, the state would benefit more.
“Therefore, the two football teams owned and sponsored by the state are hereby disbanded and merged together to form one indefatigable football team,’’ he said.
Iyaye said the name was aimed at enhancing unity among Rivers people and fostering a united community identity with the football club.
He said the government would take necessary step to register the new team with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and the league Management Company (LMC) accordingly.
“All assets and liabilities of both Sharks FC and Dolphins FC have been taken over by the new club.
“It is a painful decision to be taken but we believe that the overall interest of Rivers football lovers and stakeholders will be better off,’’ Iyaye said.
The commissioner described the motto and mission of the new team as “United through Football’’ and “To be the foremost Football Club in Nigeria’’ respectively.
Rivers United which takes over Dolphins slot in the Nigerian Premier Football League will play against Enyimba International FC of Aba on Sunday in Port Harcourt as the 2015/2016 competition begins.
