Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has said his administration will commission the new Real Madrid Football Academy in 7 months’ time.
The governor stated this during the foundation laying ceremony of the football academy at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Monday.
Wike said that setting up the academy was born out of the desire to create an environment that will harvest young talents and build a new crop of stars all over the country.
Governor Wike added that the Real Madrid Football Academy will be open to all kids, but with special preference to Rivers Children, whose resources will fund the project.
He noted that when the project was initiated, people doubted it, making different cynical comments. However, today, this project has come to fruition. It will be a solid foundation for our children, he added.
“We are proud to be associated with the best club in the world. Therefore, we will groom the best set of footballers “.
“Sport is a catalyst for development. What we are doing is for the interest of everybody. To tell our footballers, we will do everything to support you”, he said.
Governor Wike said that the project will be completed in seven months and commissioned for use by members of the public. He said children to be admitted into the school will be between 8 to 16years.
Officials of Real Madrid Football Club and Confederation of African Football (CAF) were present for the historic foundation laying ceremony of the academy.
The foundation laying ceremony attracted the President of Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, President of International Sports Press Association, Gianni Merlo, President, International Sports Press Association Africa, Mitchell Obi, International Sports Writers, Ex-internationals and top officials of Real Madrid Football Club.
Laying the foundation for the Real Madrid Football Academy, President of CAF, Ahmad Ahmad said the academy is not only for Port Harcourt or Nigeria but for the entire continent.
He said that the Real Madrid Football Academy will promote international football best practices in the continent as well as raise future stars.
Ahmad noted that the timing of the construction of the academy is a proof that it was ordained by God.
In his remarks, President of International Sports Press Association, Mr. Gianni Merlo said Real Madrid as the best club in the world will develop a new set of stars from the Academy in Rivers State.
He said: “This is an important project for the whole world. It will mould international stars who will shape the game in the future”.
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinick said that with the Real Madrid Football Academy, Nigeria will ensure the emergence of another generation that will keep the nation’s flag flying in the international football circle.
Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Mr. Boma Iyaye said that with the establishment of the Real Madrid Football Academy, Governor Wike has shown unprecedented love for soccer.
He said the academy will contain a club house, classrooms, conference centre, training pitches and 1000 capacity spectator stand among other facilities.
General Manager of the Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt, Tareh el-Hajj said that the academy is in full swing as the management of Real Madrid in liaison with the Rivers State Government to set in motion modalities to ensure it succeeds.
He said coaches and medical staff for the academy will be accredited for the commencement of the process.
Other officials of Real Madrid who graced the occasion include Inigo Arenillas, Manager, Real Madrid Foundation, Africa/Middle East and Oscar Diaz, Real Madrid Fund-Raising Officer.
