Officials
of Real Madrid Football Club and Confederation of African Football
(CAF) on Monday performed the historic foundation laying
ceremony for the Real Madrid Football Academy in Port
Harcourt, initiated by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo
Wike.
The
foundation laying ceremony which took place at the preccints of
Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, attracted the President
of Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Mr Amaju Pinnick, President of
International Sports Press Association, Gianni Merlo, President,
International Sports Press Association Africa, Mitchell Obi,
International Sports Writers, Ex-internationals and top officials of
Real Madrid Football Club.
Laying
the foundation for the Real Madrid Football Academy, President of
CAF, Ahmad Ahmad said the academy is not only for Port Harcourt
or Nigeria, but for the entire continent.
He
said that the Real Madrid Football Academy will promote international
football best practices in the continent as well as raise future
stars.
Ahmad
noted that the timing of the construction of the academy is a proof
that it was ordained by God.
Initiator
of the Real Madrid Football Academy and Rivers State Governor,
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who spoke at an an international press
conference and during the foundation laying ceremony, said that the
academy will help in building a new crop of International stars
across the country.
He
said that the Real Madrid Football Academy will be open to all kids,
but with special preference to Rivers Children, whose
resources will fund the project.
He
said: "When we initiated this laudable project, people
doubted it, making difference cynical comments. However, today, this
project has come to fruition. It will be a solid foundation for
our children.
"We
are proud to be associated with the best club in the world.
Therefore, we will groom the best set of footballers ".
Governor
Wike said that the project will be completed in seven months and
commissioned for use by members of the public. He said
children to be admitted into the school will be between 8 to 16years.
"Sports
is a catalyst for development. What we are doing is for the
interest of everybody. To tell our footballers, we will do
everything to support you", he said.
In
his remarks, President of International Sports Press Association, Mr
Gianni Merlo said Real Madrid as the best club in the world will
develop a new set of stars from the Academy in Rivers State.
He
said: "This is an important project for the whole world. It will
mould international stars who will shape the game in the future".
President
of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinick said that with the Real
Madrid Football Academy, Nigeria will ensure the emergence of
another generation that will keep the nation's flag flying in the
international football circle.
Rivers
State Sports Commissioner, Mr Boma Iyaye said that with the
establishment of the Real Madrid Football Academy, Governor Wike has
shown unprecedented love for soccer.
He
said the academy will contain a club house, classrooms, conference
centre, training pitches and 1000 capacity spectator stand among
other facilities.
General
Manager of the Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt, Tareh
el-Hajj said that the academy is in full swing as the management of
Real Madrid in liaison with the Rivers State Government to set in
motion modalities to ensure it succeeds .
He
said coaches and medical staff for the academy will be accredited for
the commencement of the process.
Other
officials of Real Madrid who graced the occasion include: Inigo
Arenillas, Manager, Real Madrid Foundation, Africa/Middle East and
Oscar Diaz, Real Madrid Fund-Raising Officer.
L-R: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Ambassador of Real Madrid, Ricardo Gallego and President, International Sports Press Association, Gianni Merlo during the Press Conference to flag off the construction of the Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt on Monday at the Government House Port Harcourt
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