The Rivers State Government has agreed a partnership with Spanish giants Real Madrid to set up an academy in Port Harcourt, Governor Nyesom Wike has announced.
Governor Wike said the academy will empower the youths in the oil-rich southern Nigerian state.
“We have young men who want to be coaches, who will be trained in Spain (going by this agreement),” disclosed Wike, whose government sponsors top Nigerian club Rivers United.
“We have our young boys and girls who want to go and play football in Spain.
“This partnership is with the best club in the world and it’s in the interest of all.”
President, Confederation of African Football (CAF), Ahnad Ahmad will lay the foundation stone for the academy on May 28.
The event will be celebrated with an international friendly between World Cup-bound Nigeria and DR Congo same day in Port Harcourt.