News October 16, 2026 7:09 pm
Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara receiving the trophy won by the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt during their recent football tour of the United Kingdom. Photo: Dennis Naku
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has rewarded players and coaches of the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, with N50m for their performance during a recent football tour of the United Kingdom.
Fubara announced the reward on Friday while receiving the academy’s management and students at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
According to a statement by his media aide, Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor commended the team for their discipline and exemplary conduct throughout the tour.
He expressed delight that despite the challenges encountered during the trip, the team returned victorious without any incident of misconduct or behaviour that could embarrass the state.
Fubara said the academy, established by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, was designed to nurture young talents who could build lucrative careers in football, noting that the football economy was bigger than many conventional corporate organisations.
He said the purpose of sponsoring the UK tour was to expose the students to international football and expressed delight that some of them had reportedly attracted the attention of foreign clubs seeking to offer them greater opportunities abroad.
Emphasising that intelligence without character amounted to nothing, the governor said his administration was committed not only to developing the students’ football skills but also to moulding them into responsible citizens and worthy ambassadors of Rivers State.
He assured the students that the state government would address complaints about inadequate facilities, insufficient accommodation and other challenges facing the academy to ensure a conducive environment for learning and training.
Fubara also thanked the local and foreign consultants who led the tour and urged the students to take their academic pursuits seriously alongside their football careers.
He noted that for many of the students who had never travelled beyond Port Harcourt, the UK tour provided life-changing exposure and an opportunity to represent Rivers State internationally.
“What we just did here is to give you the opportunity to see what is in football beyond the walls of Real Madrid Academy, Port Harcourt. It is meant for you to see football at the international level.
“You have made us very proud. On our own part, we will ensure that we give you every support needed for you to excel. I am really proud of you all, not just because of the trophy that you won but your conduct throughout the tour,” Fubara said.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, praised the governor for sponsoring the tour, describing it as historic and a pacesetter in the country.
Earlier, the Principal of Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, Dr Prudence Isaac-Harry, expressed appreciation to Fubara for sponsoring the tour, describing his support as an act of “unparalleled magnanimity”.
She said 61 student-athletes and 12 officials participated in the football tour of the United Kingdom, which provided the students with their first international football experience.
According to her, the students demonstrated impressive skills during their matches, leaving a positive impression on the football community in Southampton and London.
“We were given a silver trophy for our students’ performances. Thank you, sir, for showcasing Rivers State’s raw talents to the global stage.
“This landmark trip has successfully opened windows for further international tournaments, as several top-tier clubs are already extending invitations to the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt,” Isaac-Harry said.
She pledged that the academy’s management and students would continue to bring honour and glory to Rivers State in recognition of the state government’s investment in the institution.
Dennis Naku is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with approximately 19 years of professional experience. He has previously worked with Champion Newspapers and National Mirror Newspaper, reporting across multiple beats. His work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a commitment to professional journalism practice.
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