Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has awarded N50 million to the student-athletes and coaching staff of Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, following their successful football tour of the United Kingdom.
Fubara announced the financial reward on Friday when he hosted the academy’s management, students and players at Government House in Port Harcourt.
Quick facts
- Rivers State rewarded Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, with N50 million.
- The academy sent 61 student-athletes and 12 officials on a football trip to the United Kingdom.
- The governor praised the group’s discipline, conduct and trophy-winning performance.
- Government pledged to improve facilities, accommodation and other conditions at the academy.
The governor praised the youngsters and their handlers for maintaining discipline and showing commendable behaviour during the trip. He said the delegation overcame difficulties on the tour, returned with success and did not bring any misconduct or disgrace upon Rivers State.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, Fubara said the academy was established by his predecessor to develop emerging football talent. He added that football’s economic potential exceeded that of many traditional corporate businesses.
Fubara said the UK visit was funded to give the academy’s players international football exposure. He expressed satisfaction that several students had already drawn interest from overseas clubs, with foreign teams reportedly seeking to recruit them for better opportunities abroad.
The governor said talent and intelligence were of little value without good character. He stated that his administration intended not only to sharpen the players’ football ability, but also to shape them into responsible citizens and worthy representatives of Rivers.
He pledged government action over complaints concerning inadequate facilities, limited accommodation and other difficulties facing the academy. The aim, he said, was to provide an environment suitable for both education and football training.
Fubara also thanked the Nigerian and foreign consultants who guided the delegation in the United Kingdom. He urged the student-athletes to give equal attention to their education while pursuing their ambitions in football.
He noted that many of the young players had not previously travelled outside Port Harcourt Local Government Area. The UK experience, he said, had been transformative and had turned them into genuine ambassadors for Rivers State.
“What we have done is give you the chance to understand what football offers beyond the boundaries of Real Madrid Academy, Port Harcourt,” Fubara said. “It was intended to let you experience the game at the international level.”
“You have made us extremely proud. We will play our part by providing every support required for you to succeed. I am proud not only because you won a trophy, but because of how you conducted yourselves throughout the tour.”
Secretary to the State Government Dr Dagogo Wokoma hailed Fubara’s decision to sponsor the trip, calling it a landmark initiative and a national benchmark. Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt principal Dr Prudence Isaac-Harry thanked the governor for his vision and “unparalleled magnanimity” in funding the United Kingdom trip for 61 student-athletes and 12 officials.
