Sports
‘Real Madrid Football Academy’Il Be Ready In 2019’
Rivers State Government has stated that the Real Madrid Football Academy will be completed between December 2018 and January 2019.
Addressing journalists after an inspection visit to the site of the academy in Port Harcourt last Saturday, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Mr James Enebeli said that construction work at the academy is progressing.
He said since the project was flagged off by CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has followed through to ensure the commencement of work.
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Sports noted that the sub-structure of the two-story building that will accommodate the administrative block of the academy has been completed.
He added that the sub-structure around the 1500 Spectator Stand of the academy has been completed.
He said: “We are expecting the completion of this important project by December or January. This is an important project that will be beneficial to the state.
“Children between 8 and 16years will be accommodated in this academy. Even the host community will feel the positive impact “.
Project Manager of the Real Madrid Football Academy, Ramez Resheed assured that the contractors will deliver a quality project.
He noted that all the facilities and personnel needed for the construction have been mobilised to site. He stressed that the last set of components have been ordered from France.
The Project Manager stated that there will be no stoppage of construction work till the completion of the project.
Governor Wike is constructing the Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt to groom international football stars and empower the youths.
As a result, the Governor signed a memorandum of understanding with the management of Real Madrid Football Club after meeting top officials during a visit to Madrid.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.