Sports
Finidi Denies Receiving FG’s House Gift
Former Super Eagles winger, George Finidi, has denied receiving a three-bedroom flat allocated to each member of the 1994 African Cup of Nations winning squad prior to last Thursday’s announcement by the Federal Government, Tidesports source.
Finidi, who earned over 60 caps for Nigeria and featured at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, was listed among the six players who had previously got their houses before Presidential aide Garba Shehu announced the remaining house gifts to other members of the squad in a statement issued in Abuja last Thursday.
The players who were reportedly earlier given houses are Austin Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Nduka Ugbade, Edema Fuludu, Uche Okafor and Finidi.
Last Thursday, other members of the squad, namely Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, and Austin Eguavoen, were allocated their own houses, with the late squad members Stephen Keshi, Uche Okafor, Rashidi Yekini, Thompson Oliha and Wilfred Agbonavbare also included.
But in a chat with Tidesports source, ex-Real Betis winger, Finidi denied receiving the house gift.
“They insisted that I had collected the house, which is not true. I don’t know how my name was included in the list of players who had received their houses from the Federal Government before now,” Finidi said.
“I did not get a house from the government and when I inquired, they said they gave a relative of mine that I’m not even aware of.
“They said I collected a house in Lugbe, Abuja; somebody has played a fast one on the ministry.
“Houses were allocated to Okocha and Amokachi and nobody got in touch with me to give me my Certificate of Occupancy. So someone else lives there now.
“This is a big fraud, that’s why I am speaking out now so they don’t leave me out when they are allocating houses to this next batch of players.
“It is not fair at all. I don’t know how to reach the minister to tell him my own position. If they actually gave the house out, that means someone has been making good use of my property for over 20 years and I’m not aware of it,” he added.
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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