The Managements of Dolphins FC and Sharks FC on Saturday commended Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers for paying the eight months salary arrears owed the clubs.

Mr Daboere Dokubo, Interim Head of Sharks FC Management Team, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that the governor had kept to his promise by paying salary backlogs.

Dokubo, who spoke through the clubs Media Officer, Mr Peter Abaje, said they were optimistic to win June 28 match against Heartland FC of Owerri.

“The reason is, during the week, the players and officials smiled to the bank as the governor of the state paid eight months backlog of salaries owed the team.

“So much has been given to the players by the governor and we commend him for fulfilling his electioneering campaign promise to take sports to the next level,” he said.

Dokubo said the club was contented to win their match because there were no more excuses to give.

“Players used to they had not been paid salaries, we are hungry and cannot think well in the field of play but all that is over,” he said.

Dolphin’s manager, Mr Stanley Eguma, confirmed that his club had also been paid; and players optimistic to defeat Kano Pillars on July 28.

Eguma thanked the governor for matching his words with action by clearing all salaries owed the officials and players.

“We are optimistic as we are going to play in Kano, it is a big game but we will do our best to come out with a favourable result.

“There are issues that have affected us, some of our players are absent without leave and others are affected by injuries in their match against Ifeanyi Uba FC,” he said.

Eguma said most of the affected players were midfielders, adding that it was a big blow to the team.

He said with the spirit in the boys going to Kano, the team would not come home empty handed but would have some points.

“In our 1-1 draw against Giwa FC, my players did not pick into game right in time as they were dragging their feet in the first-half.

“They could not find their rhythm in the first-half but took control of the game in the second-half after studying it,” he said. Eguma said the team would work on their mistakes and come out strong against Kano Pillars.