Sports

Beyond Real Madrid Football Academy

Published

7 years ago

May 29, 2019

Often times, one’s character, vision and legacy are moulded by the level of commitment and passion he or she demonstrates towards a given issue, subject or cause. Since May 29, 2015 when His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS-Africa was sworn in as the 16th Governor of Rivers State, he has demonstrated an uncommon love, interest and commitment to sports and youth development.
It is easy therefore, to understand and appreciate Governor Wike’s exemplary policy thrust in sports in the State. This is benchmarked by his belief and vision that sports is a key sector that affects the youth and has the potential to not only engage them but help in addressing some societal quagmire he met as he assumed office.
Through sports, the Governor hoped to catalyse job creation, skill and infrastructure development and mobilise the youth of the State away from crime and other vices.
The premium Wike’s administration placed on sports was further accentuated by the N2.5b budgetary provision for the sector last year. It is pertinent to note however, that the unprecedented commitment of the administration is not restricted to the sports sector, as others, including but not limited to education, housing, roads, health, Urban renewal and others, have received robust intervention.
No wonder, Governor Wike was aptly named Mr. Projects, an effort to underline the massive projects he has accomplished in the State within his few years in office.
True to his cognomen, the Governor, only last year hinted at a capital intensive project, a football academy in the mould and practices of the famous Real Madrid Football club of Spain. This pet project is in liaison with Los Blancos themselves.
Less than 12 months later, Governor Wike has demonstrated that his Moniker, Mr Projects, is not misplaced as the academy is virtually ready to commence business in Port Harcourt. Today, sitting within the Yakubu Gowon Stadium is the Real Madrid Football Academy, a world class football facility, soon to begin the weaning of young football talents from Rivers State and beyond.
Already, a batch of young coaches and technical hands have been sponsored by the state government to an intensive training at the mother academy in Spain, preparatory to the opening of the Port Harcourt arm.
According to the former Commissioner for sports in the State, Hon. Boma Iyaye, the project is as a result of the Governors desire to bequeath to the people a quality platform for the identification of football talents, weaning of such talents and opportunity to express such talents within a world class framework that will open door to unlimited opportunities within and outside Nigeria. Furthermore, the academy would not only offer opportunities to kids who ordinarily would not be able to afford the luxury of a football academy and perhaps, waste their talents, but provide job opportunities to a number of people in the State.
The idea is to groom a set of gifted football players, who would not only live off their talent but with good education for a better, useful life and be prepared for another career after football.
Hon. Iyaye described the Governor as being very passionate about the academy which he believes would contribute effectively to changing the face and culture of the game, not only Rivers but in Nigeria as a whole.
Indeed, Rivers State boasts of rich football talents, especially at the grassroots level. With projects such as the Real Madrid Academy, young footballers in the State would begin to have access to a structured development.
But for the essence of the academy to be sustainable, government and indeed, Rivers people must look beyond the euphoria of its establishment. Conscious efforts must be made now to enthrone practices that would help make the academy an enduring legacy.
It has been disclosed that priority is not placed on using the academy to make money. However, with the benefit of hindsight of the fate suffered by most government’s establishments, especially, after the exit of the initiator, the football academy needs a legal teeth on ways of contributing to its survival. For instance, football has become a big business in which young and good players are in demand all over the world. Sportsmen and women (footballers) have become foreign exchange earners when they are sold to clubs. One would therefore, not want the academy to be taken advantage of and be milked by selfish individuals.
Again, it will be profitable to explore ways to put the academy to further use. While its primary role would be grooming young talents in the game, adding coaches’ training department, where trainers and aspiring coaches would be trained in partnership with the mother academy in Spain will suffice.
Again, there should be deliberate plan in place to harness the expected products from the academy on graduation, such young talents are expected to thread a smooth passage, already charted by the academy to Real Madrid Football Club, other clubs in Europe, Americas or Asia.
Interesting, River people have been showering commendations on Governor Wike for the quality and speed with which the project is being delivered.
For the President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Honour Sirawoo, the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt has further demonstrated the Governor’s desire to launch the State among top sports communities in the world. People, he said may not realise the full benefits of what the Governor has put on ground but in a few years, when the academy would be churning out world clans players that will take the game to a different level in the country and beyond, they would sit back and appreciate his vision.
Other stakeholders, including grassroots football coach, Sampson Oruwari, hailed the project, describing Governor Wike as a leader with special interest in providing platforms for manpower development, especially, the development of God given talent for empowerment and self emancipation
However, the football academy is not, and should not be seen as a magic bullet that would provide all the solutions and answers to problems or challenges facing the game or sports in Rivers State.
The academy is only one of numerous infrastructure needed to transform the state into a sports haven, where young people with talent in different fileds would be at home to develop and showcase themselves. Going forward, the Real Madrid Academy is a commendable trail blazer that will certainly lead to more good tidings for the sports sector.
Without losing sight of the import of numerous international, national and local sports activities and events that have been put together via the magnanimity of Governor Wike, there still exists ample room to take sports to greater heights in the State.
With what has been seen of Governor Wike’s passion for excellence, to say that sports in Rivers is in good hands would not be misplaced declaration.
However, with the state’s antecedent in sports like swimming, basketball, handball, hockey, weightlifting, wrestling, volleyball and athletics, Rivers must not be seen as only a football loving state. While upgrading and adequate maintenance of existing football infrastructure are needed, other events, particularly swimming, boxing and weightlifting need more investments.
Though the academy is expected to be run by an independent management with technical assistance from Real Madrid, local authorities have important roles to play.
The onus lies on the Ministry of Sports through the State’s Sports Council to key into the vision and passion of the Governor as far as sports development and promotion are concerned. Such facilities like the football academy should neither be under utilised nor be allowed to waste, even after Governor Wike must have bowed out of office.

Gabriel Nwanetanya

Sports

FUBARA Opens 2026 PH AMATEUR OPEN GOLF Championship

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday declared open the 2026 Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship during which he renewed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of Rivers people.

Governor Fubara, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Sunny Ewule, at the ceremonial Tee -off to kickstart the tournament, said the event holding in Port Harcourt, is a clear indication that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business.

“This championship bringing over two hundred and fifty golfers from across Nigeria to Port Harcourt is a testament to the fact that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business. You have demonstrated that sports is a powerful tool for social cohesion and for projecting the positive nature of our State,” he said.

The Rivers State Government, the Governor stated, identifies with the championship and will continue to support initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of the people.

Governor Fubara described golf as more than a sport, emphasising that it teaches patience, discipline, focus and integrity. According to him, these values were in line with his administration’s commitment to peace, unity and healthy living for all the people of Rivers State.

He commended the Local Organizing Committee for their hard work in putting the event together. He also commended the Port Harcourt Club Golf Section for sustaining the historic Club since 1928, while wishing all golfers participating in the championship an injury-free and worthy tournament.

The President of the Port Harcourt Club, Barr. Victor Omubo Frank-Briggs, expressed appreciation to the Governor honouring their invitation, noting that with the government’s presence the golfers have been energised and inspired to do their best in the championship

MFM, First Bank eye AWBL finals in Liberia (5)

Nigerian clubs MFM Basketball Club and First Bank Basketball Club will battle for places in the African Women’s Basketball League finals when they compete in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, from November 2 to 9.

The six-team competition will take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Indoor Gymnasium in Paynesville, with the top two teams earning qualification for the continental finals in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled for December 11 to 19.

MFM and First Bank will be seeking to carry their domestic form into the qualifiers after meeting in the final of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, where MFM claimed a narrow 66-64 victory.

The result underlined the close rivalry between the Nigerian sides, who will now look to establish themselves against opponents from across the region and secure their places in Cairo.

Defending FIBA Africa Zone 3 champions Friends of Basketball Association of Côte d’Ivoire will also compete, alongside Benin Republic’s Energie Basketball Club of Cotonou.

Hosts Liberia will be represented by Flames Basketball Club, the domestic league runners-up, and reigning national champions D’Rockers Basketball Club.

The Nigerian clubs secured their places in the qualifiers after FIBA Africa and the Liberia Basketball Association extended the registration deadline and adjusted the competition schedule following the late conclusion of their domestic league campaign. The intervention was facilitated by FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (retd.).

Preparations for the tournament are also gathering momentum, with Flames president and Liberia Basketball Association Secretary-General Calvin Diggs saying the organisers are working to deliver a successful competition.

FIBA Africa Zone 3 Secretary Joe Apu also expressed confidence in Liberia’s readiness, citing the experience of the country’s basketball community in hosting international events.

With six teams competing for just two qualification places, MFM and First Bank will face a demanding test as they seek to progress to the continental finals in Egypt.

Sports

Chukwueze Faces Injury Lay-Off

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is expected to spend at least two months on the sidelines with a hip injury, ruling him out of AC Milan’s upcoming fixtures, including the derby against Inter Milan.

According to Italian sources, the 27-year-old has consulted a specialist over a problem with his left hip and commenced treatment with injections.

Chukwueze will undergo another assessment in 10 to 15 days, but he is not expected to return before the end of the year, dealing a blow to Nigeria and Milan’s options on the right flank.

The Nigerian reportedly experienced discomfort in his hip after Milan’s Serie A fixture against Atalanta and missed training ahead of last Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash with Bournemouth, which the Italian side lost 3-0.

Chukwueze has made eight appearances across all competitions this season, providing two assists since returning to Milan following a loan spell at Premier League club Fulham.

His absence adds to Milan’s injury concerns, with defender Matteo Gabbia and winger Alexis Saelemaekers also sidelined by long-term injuries.

The Rossoneri are reportedly considering recalling Zachary Athekame from his loan spell at Lyon to provide additional cover during Chukwueze’s recovery.

Milan, who remain unbeaten in Serie A this season, face Udinese on Sunday before taking on Inter in the derby on October 31.

There is better news for the Italian side regarding striker Gonçalo Ramos, who has returned to full training after missing the Bournemouth defeat with fatigue in his left calf.

A scan revealed no muscle damage, making the Portuguese forward available for Sunday’s trip to Udinese.

Sports

Nigerian Trio Target Titles At PFL Africa Finals

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Three Nigerians, David Samuel, Patrick Ocheme and Raphael Uchegbu, will fight for titles at the PFL Africa finals after the Professional Fighters League confirmed PFL Rwanda for December 12 at the BK Arena in Kigali.

The promotion announced on October 23 that the event will crown three African champions in the welterweight (170 lbs), lightweight (155 lbs) and bantamweight (135 lbs) divisions.

In the main event, the undefeated Samuel, who has a record of 7-0, will meet Angola’s Shido “Machine” Boris Esperança, who is 13-2, in the welterweight final.

Esperança reached the final with a first-round finish in his semi-final, while Samuel went the distance to keep his perfect record.

“My Nigerian roots opened the door for me to compete in PFL Africa, and reaching the final is a special source of pride for me,” Samuel said. “On December 12, I will step into the cage not just as a finalist, but as a man determined to finish what he started and become a champion.”

Esperança said, “I believe that I can be that champion that the promotion deserves because I have been crafting myself for that.”

Ocheme, whose record stands at 10-1, headlines the co-main event against Senegal’s Demba “Black Tiger” Seck, who is 11-3, in the lightweight final. Ocheme booked his place with a devastating first-round body kick in his semi-final.

“This means a lot to me because finishing fights is what I do best; I am a knockout artist by nature,” Ocheme said. “I trust my preparation, my fight IQ and my ability to get the job done, God willing, in the first or second round.”

Seck responded, “Patrick is a tough opponent, and I always knew our paths could cross in the final. I respect his skills, but I truly believe I am the most complete, technical, strongest, and the most experienced fighter in this division.”

In the bantamweight final, Uchegbu, a former FCC champion with a record of 11-2, faces Liberia’s Dwight Joseph, who is 17-3 and won his semi-final by split decision.

“Winning in the final will change my life, and I look forward to bringing the belt back to the motherland and showing the next generation of African fighters what is possible,” Uchegbu said.

Joseph said, “Coming up short last year motivated me to push even harder this time around. I am getting my hand raised, leaving with that belt, and taking it back to Liberia.”

PFL Rwanda will be shown across Africa on SuperSport for English-speaking viewers and Canal+ for French-speaking audiences. It will also be available on free-to-air television via SportyTV.

PFL Africa General Manager, Elias Schulze, said, “Kigali will take centre stage as we crown Africa’s next champions in front of a global audience. Together with our Rwandan partners, we are giving African talent a world stage, and the next generation something to fight for.”