Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has revealed that the management of Real Madrid Football Club will be in Nigeria by the first week of March to lay the foundation for the construction of the Real Madrid Football Academy in the state.
Speaking during an interactive session with Sports Editors at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday night, Governor Wike said that the Academy will be completed six months after the foundation laying ceremony.
He said that the Real Madrid Football Academy would revolutionise the business of football in the state.
The governor noted that the packages that have been added in the Real Madrid Football Academy project will help build quality international stars from Rivers State.
He added that the Rivers State Government will also complete the Academy started by the immediate past administration in Etche Local Government Area. The governor noted that the Academy in Etche will be developed as a sports academy.
Speaking further, Wike informed that the Rivers State Government will work with a non governmental organisation to develop a swimming institute at the Diete Spiff Civic Centre.
He said: “Sports is a major revenue earner that cannot be disregarded by any government worth its salt. This administration will continue to support sports “.
Earlier, the National President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Honour Sirawo commended the Rivers State Governor for his commitment to the development of Sports.
Also speaking, the President of Nigerian Wrestling Federation, Mr Daniel Igali said everything has been put in place by the Rivers State Government for the successful hosting of the African Wrestling Championship in Port Harcourt.
