Wike Meets Ronaldo, Plans To Setup Real Madrid Affiliated Academy In Rivers

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Monday met with football star, Cristiano Ronaldo and Real
Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos, during a tour on the training facilities of Real Madrid Football Club.

The tour is coming on the back of plans to setting up of a Real Madrid Academy in Rivers State.

The governor, who was accompanied on the inspection tour by the State Commissioner of Sports, Boma Iyaye, and former Nigerian international, Adokiye Amiesimaka, also met with officials of the club, where further modalities were discussed.

In the meeting with Real Madrid stars, Ronaldo and Ramos, Mr. Wike said that the objective of setting up the Real Madrid Academy in Rivers State is to develop stars that would rule the world in the nearest future

“We are using football as one of the key empowerment programmes for the next generation. We want to grow international football stars from a tender age.
“We will tap from the experience and exposure of Real Madrid and their stars. This is a project that will revolutionise football in Rivers State and Nigeria,” Mr. Wike noted.

He assured that the academy to be established in the state will be of international standard and will take into consideration the education of the children.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos lauded Mr. Wike for his commitment to the development of the game of football.

Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye, said that the Real Madrid Affiliated Football Academy will enhance the game of football in the state.

Governor Wike is billed to meet with the President of Real Madrid today (Tuesday) to formalise the agreement between the Rivers State Government and the club on the establishment of the Academy.