Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has rewarded the student -players and coaches of Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, with the sum of N50 million for winning a silver trophy during their recent football tour of the United Kingdom.

Fubara announced the reward on Friday when he received the management and students of the Football Academy at Government House, Port Harcourt, and lauded the team for their discipline and exemplary conduct throughout the tour.

He noted that despite the challenges encountered on the trip, they returned victorious without any case of misconduct or embarrassment to the State.

He said the Academy, initiated by his predecessor, was designed to groom young talents for whom football could become a lucrative full-time career, stressing that the football economy is even bigger than many conventional corporate organisations.

Fubara said the purpose of sponsoring the UK tour was to expose the students to football at the international level, and expressed delight that some of them were already attracting the attention of foreign football clubs who have reportedly started poaching them for greater opportunities abroad.

While emphasising that intelligence without character amounts to nothing, the Governor said his administration is not only committed to building their football skills but also moulding their character to become responsible citizens and the pride of Rivers State.

He assured that the state will address the complaints of poor facilities, insufficient accommodation and other challenges confronting the Academy, to ensure they study and conduct their training in a conducive environment

Fubara also thanked the local and foreign consultants who led the tour for their efforts, and charged the students to take their academics seriously alongside their football career.

He noted that for many of the students who had never travelled beyond Port Harcourt Local Government Area, the UK tour was a life-changing exposure, making them true ambassadors of Rivers State.

“What we just did here is to allow you 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,” Governor Fubara said.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, lauded 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 (Mrs) Prudence Isaac -Harry, had expressed profound appreciation to Governor Fubara for his vision and “unparalleled magnanimity” in sponsoring the 61 students -athletes and 12 officials on the football tour to the United Kingdom.

She noted that the trip provided the students with their very first taste of international football exposure, adding that the students did not just participate in soccer duels but displayed tremendous skills that left a great impression on the entire community of Southampton, 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.