Sports
RSG To Establish Football Academy
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has announced plans to establish a Football Academy in the state to groom international soccer talents.
Chief Wike made the plans public at Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday night during a victory party he hosted for Real Madrid fans to celebrate the club’s Champions League trophy.
Chief Wike is a prominent fan of Real Madrid Football Club.
He disclosed that already discussions with the club management have commenced to actualise the plan, stating that football apart from being a source of entertainment globally, has proven to be a veritable empowerment tool.
“We will work with the Management of Real Madrid Football Club to ensure that a football academy is sited here in Rivers State. As you know, Rivers State is the headquarters of Real Madrid supporters in Nigeria “.
On the 2017 Champions league finals played at Cardiff in the UK, Chief Wike said though most people did not give Real Madrid a chance to lift the trophy, the club displayed its resilience and discipline as it went ahead to create history.
The governor said that in today’s world club football, Real Madrid Football Club has a competitive edge over other clubs.
In his remarks, the Head of Service of Rivers State, Barrister Rufus Godwins said football promotes team spirit and friendship.
He said: “It is only in football that one man cannot play all the wings and score. You need midfielders, defenders and strikers to win a game. I am happy that the governor created time to celebrate with the people.”.
Barrister Godwins said that the lesson of football is the promotion of team spirit , which encourages unity of purpose for the development of Rivers State.
The celebration party which took place at the new Government House, Port Harcourt Amphitheatre attracted Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Government Officials and Party Leaders.
The event had in attendance senior government top officials and friends of the first family with music provided by Popular Rivers Gospel Musician, Sensational Dele, jokes, banters and celebratory songs.
Most of the officials at the celebration wore jerseys and insignia of Real Madrid Football Club of Spain.
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.
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