Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has awarded ₦50 million to players and coaches of the state-sponsored Real Madrid Academy following their participation in an international football tour in Southampton, United Kingdom.
Fubara announced the reward when the academy’s management, officials and players visited him at Government House in Port Harcourt to present a trophy won during the tour.
The delegation comprised 60 students and 12 staff members who participated in the international football programme, which provided the young players with an opportunity to develop their skills, gain international exposure and experience football beyond their immediate environment.
The governor commended the academy’s management and officials for their commitment to nurturing young talents, while praising the students for their discipline and good conduct throughout the trip.
Fubara acknowledged that the academy, which combines academic education with structured football training, was established by his predecessor but stressed that his administration would sustain the initiative.
He said the continuation of beneficial programmes should not depend on which administration introduced them, adding that his government remained committed to policies and projects that improve the socio-economic well-being of Rivers residents.
The governor also pledged to address the academy’s infrastructure and funding challenges, assuring the management that his administration would work towards providing a more conducive environment for the students to pursue their academic and sporting ambitions.
He urged the young players to take both their education and football training seriously, noting that although professional football offers significant financial opportunities, academic qualifications remain essential for their future.
Fubara highlighted the economic potential of the global football industry, encouraging the students to take advantage of opportunities available to talented players through discipline, hard work and determination.
He explained that the purpose of the international tour was to expose the students to football at the global level, broaden their perspectives and build their confidence to compete beyond Nigeria.
The governor 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 international exposure could create.
In their separate remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma; the academy’s principal, Prudence Isaac-Harry; the tour facilitator; and former Super Eagles player Ida Peterson commended Fubara for sustaining government sponsorship of the academy and supporting the students’ participation in the international football programme.
