RismadarVoice Reporters
October 16, 2026
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced a ₦50 million reward for players and coaches of the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, in recognition of their performance, discipline and conduct during a recent football tour of the United Kingdom.
The governor announced the financial reward while receiving the academy’s management, coaches and student-athletes at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara commended the young footballers for representing Rivers State positively during their international engagement, describing their conduct as an encouraging demonstration of discipline and responsible behaviour.
He expressed satisfaction that the students completed the tour and returned home without any reported incident of misconduct that could have damaged the reputation of the state.
According to the governor, the academy’s performance demonstrated the importance of investing in youth development and creating opportunities for talented young people to compete and learn beyond Nigeria.
GOVERNOR COMMENDS PLAYERS FOR DISCIPLINE AND GOOD CONDUCT
Addressing the delegation, Fubara praised the students for maintaining discipline despite the challenges encountered during the overseas trip.
He said the conduct of the players was particularly commendable because representing the state internationally required not only sporting ability but also maturity, responsibility and respect for established rules.
The governor stressed that sporting excellence should be accompanied by strong character, noting that talented athletes must also develop the personal qualities necessary to succeed in professional environments.
He encouraged the students to remain focused on their education, training and personal development while pursuing opportunities in football.
Fubara also commended the academy’s coaches and management for their roles in preparing the players and ensuring that the tour was successfully completed.
UK TOUR EXPOSES YOUNG PLAYERS TO INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL
The governor explained that the United Kingdom tour was designed to expose the academy’s students to international football standards and provide opportunities to develop their skills through interaction with the wider football community.
He noted that such exposure was important in helping young athletes understand the expectations of professional football and the discipline required to compete at higher levels.
Fubara expressed delight that some of the players had reportedly attracted interest from foreign football clubs during the tour.
He described the development as encouraging, saying it demonstrated the potential of the academy to produce footballers capable of competing internationally.
However, the names of the interested clubs, the identities of the affected players and details of any proposed recruitment arrangements were not disclosed.
The governor urged the students to take advantage of the experience gained during the tour and continue working towards their sporting ambitions.
FOOTBALL OFFERS MAJOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES — FUBARA
Fubara also highlighted the economic opportunities available in professional football, describing the sport as an industry capable of providing substantial financial rewards and international recognition.
He observed that successful football careers could offer opportunities exceeding those available in many conventional corporate occupations.
The governor explained that the Real Madrid Football Academy was established during the administration of his predecessor as part of efforts to identify, nurture and develop young football talents in Rivers State.
He said the institution was designed to provide structured training and prepare promising players for possible careers in professional football.
Fubara maintained that investment in sports development could create opportunities for young people, promote positive social engagement and enhance the state’s reputation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting programmes that help young residents develop their abilities and become responsible members of society.
ACADEMY PRINCIPAL THANKS GOVERNOR FOR SUPPORT
Earlier, the Principal of the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, Dr Prudence Isaac-Harry, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for sponsoring the United Kingdom tour.
She described the governor’s support as a demonstration of his commitment to youth empowerment and the development of sporting talent in Rivers State.
Isaac-Harry disclosed that the delegation comprised 61 student-athletes and 12 officials, bringing the total number of participants to 73.
She explained that the trip provided the young footballers with valuable international exposure and an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the professional sporting environment.
The principal thanked the state government for making the tour possible and acknowledged the contribution of the academy’s management and coaching personnel.
She expressed optimism that the experience would positively influence the students’ development and inspire them to pursue greater achievements.
GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The ₦50 million reward represents the latest expression of the Rivers State Government’s support for the academy and its young athletes.
Fubara reiterated the importance of combining talent development with education, discipline and responsible citizenship.
He encouraged the players to remain committed to their ambitions while recognising their responsibilities as representatives of Rivers State.
The governor also urged the academy’s management to sustain its focus on developing footballers who could compete internationally and serve as positive examples to other young people.
Although the governor announced the financial reward for the players and coaches, the individual allocation of the ₦50 million and the payment arrangements were not specified in the minutes of the meeting.
The administration maintained that investment in sports and youth development remained important to creating opportunities and supporting the long-term aspirations of young people in the state.
