How FIFA’s promise propelled us to win 1985 World U-16 Championship
Consequently, Rivers United have since issued a statement expressing their determination to seek justice even beyond the shores of Nigeria. “The decision reached by the NFF was not the interpretation laid by the LMC and we cannot accept this decision because it is tantamount to injustice.
“We will explore every avenue first set by the rule book, and if we do not get justice, we will move higher to the CAF, we will move to the world governing body, FIFA and if we still do not get justice, we will go to the apex body, the Court of Arbitration for Sports, as far as adjudication of such matter is concerned,” said Rivers United Media Officer, Sammy Wejinya who added that the result stated by the NFF was not in consonance with the LMC rulebook.
A top official of the club also confided in Trust Sports that the ‘Pride of Rivers’ are not going to be pressurized into dropping their resolve to get justice.
“We are quite aware of what we will face in the coming days but we want to fight for our right and nothing is going to stop us.
“Intimidation and harassment may be used to cow us but we won’t surrender. We would fight to the finish,” he said.
Meanwhile, the League Management Company, LMC has since responded by saying Rivers United are acting beyond their powers.
The Chief Operating Officer of LMC, Malam Salihu Abubakar in a letter addressed to the Club Secretary, Ahmed AbdulRahman said “The LMC has, indeed, reviewed your position as presented in your letter under reference, where you suggested that goal difference shall be used to separate two teams on a tie and, even went ahead to formulate a formula to calculate the coefficient for goal difference (i.e. goal scored divided by goal conceded) and, further tried to use the normal provisions of the NPFL Rule Book on goal difference to justify this position.
“Furthermore, you tried to validate this position by quoting provision from FIFA and CAF competitions rule books, and even the English Premier League Rule book, while also citing the example of Manchester City winning the EPL in 2012 over Manchester United on goal difference, e.t.c.
“You also went ahead to present a revised table based on your position as presented by inserting another column where you calculated Goal difference coefficient based on your formulae (i.e. Goal scored divided by Goal conceded)
“The LMC views your position as presented and described above as ultra vires your powers.”
For now, Enyimba have been listed by the NFF as the second club that will represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League.
However, all that would change, if Rivers United are able to prove their case beyond all reasonable doubts before the relevant international football authorities.