Sports
RMFA Ends Screening In PH …As Parents Express Excitement
Real Madrid Football Academy (RMFA) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday rounded off her screening to admit students for the next academic session.
The three- day screening was successful as young talented players between the ages of eight and 13 trooped into Sharks Football Stadium in Port Harcourt and displayed their skills.
It was highly competitive and selection of players seemed to be challenging for the coaches following the quality of play from the kids. The coaches were impressed and excited. However, two brothers that chose football as their career, Master Udoka Kester, a fan of Lionel Messi, and his brother, Udoka Clinton who sees Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol, both passed the screening process but are waiting for the final result.
Rivers State Government established the Real Madrid Academy to develop sports particularly football not only in the State but in Nigeria at large. This academy combines football and academics as the best players would have the opportunity to play for Real Madrid in Spain.
Interestingly, the kids who hail from Delta State, came all the way from Abuja their base for the screening. Their father, Mr. Ekeamaka Udoka, said he would like to see his children play football like their mentors.
“I think this is an opportunity for my children to gain admission into the Real Madrid Football Academy. They have chosen to play football and I will not deny them that,” he said.
Speaking, one of the parents , Mr Diepriye John, who was at the screening described the process as one of the best because it was transparent and without bias.
“I am impressed with the way and manner the screening process was conducted, even though my son was not selected. I will not bother but I know he will make the list.
“ However, I still know that there will be what we call man know man. Even though the process is transparent, sometimes, those who merit it would not make the final list,” he said.
By: Tonye Orabere
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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