Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has rewarded players and officials of the state-sponsored Real Madrid Academy with ₦50 million following their participation in an international football tour of Southampton, United Kingdom.
Fubara announced the cash reward when the academy’s management, officials and players visited him at Government House, Port Harcourt, to present a trophy won during the international tour.
The delegation comprised 60 students and 12 staff members who participated in the football programme aimed at developing their skills, broadening their exposure and providing them with opportunities to experience football at the international level.
The governor commended the academy’s management and officials for their commitment to nurturing young football talents, while praising the students for their discipline and good conduct throughout the trip.
He acknowledged that the academy, which combines academic education with structured football training, was established by his predecessor, but assured that his administration would sustain the initiative.
According to him, the continuity of beneficial programmes should not depend on the administration that initiated them, stressing that his government remains committed to policies and projects that improve the socio-economic well-being of the people.
Fubara also pledged to address the academy’s infrastructure and funding challenges, assuring the management that his administration would work towards providing a conducive environment for the students to pursue their academic and sporting ambitions.
He urged the young players to take their education and football training seriously, noting that although professional football offers significant financial opportunities, academic qualifications remain essential for their future.
The governor highlighted the economic opportunities in the global football industry and encouraged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and determination to maximise their potential.
He explained that the international tour was designed to expose the students to the realities of football on the global stage, broaden their perspectives and build their confidence to compete beyond their immediate environment.
Fubara also expressed satisfaction with reports that some academy players had attracted interest from international football teams seeking to recruit them, describing the development as an encouraging indication of the opportunities created by international exposure.
In their separate remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma; the academy’s principal, Prudence Isaac-Harry; and the tour facilitator and former Super Eagles player, Ida Peterson, commended the governor for sustaining government sponsorship of the academy and supporting the students’ participation in the international football programme.
They expressed appreciation for the administration’s continued investment in youth development and the promotion of sporting talent in Rivers State.
