Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has rewarded players and coaches of the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, with N50 million following the team’s impressive performance during its recent tour of the United Kingdom.
The governor presented the cash reward in recognition of the academy’s achievement and the positive image the students projected during their international engagements. He commended the players for demonstrating not only footballing talent but also discipline and good character throughout the tour.
Fubara urged the young athletes to remain focused on their education while pursuing their dreams in football. According to him, sporting talent must be supported by academic excellence and strong character, noting that intelligence without good character would ultimately amount to little.
He encouraged the students to conduct themselves responsibly and remain committed to their studies, stressing that their development should extend beyond the football pitch.
The governor also assured the academy’s management that the Rivers State Government would look into some of the challenges affecting the institution, particularly concerns surrounding inadequate facilities, accommodation and other operational needs.
He said efforts would be made to create a better environment where the students can combine quality education with effective football training.
Fubara further expressed appreciation to the local and international consultants who played important roles in making the United Kingdom tour possible. He described the experience as a significant opportunity for the students, especially for those who had never travelled outside Port Harcourt before.
According to him, the international exposure would broaden the students’ understanding of opportunities available in professional football while also preparing them to represent Rivers State positively wherever they find themselves.
The Principal of the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, Dr Prudence Isaac-Harry, thanked Governor Fubara for supporting the trip, which involved 61 student athletes and 12 officials.
Isaac-Harry said the students made a strong impression during their engagements with football communities in Southampton and London, where their performances earned them a silver trophy.
She described the tour as a major milestone for the academy and acknowledged the governor’s role in giving the young talents an opportunity to showcase their abilities on an international platform.
The principal noted that the exposure had already created fresh opportunities for the academy, revealing that several top football clubs had expressed interest in inviting the students to participate in future international tournaments.
She said the landmark trip had opened new doors for the academy and could serve as a foundation for greater opportunities for the young players.
Isaac-Harry assured the state government that the academy’s management and students would continue to work hard to justify the investment and confidence placed in them, promising that they would strive to bring greater recognition, honour and glory to Rivers State.
