Sports
Don’t Blame Finidi George On Our Poor Performance – Noble
Enyimba’s Goalkeeper, John Noble has defended Finidi George following the recent criticism from the media.
Finidi has been under intensive pressure following their inconsistent form in the Nigeria Professional Football League this season.
The Aba Elephants started the campaign on a good note, but deep in form saw them slipped further down the table.
They have lost seven matches out of 18 matches, one defeat short of the 8 they suffered last season.
The eigh time Champions are also struggling to put chances away, while leaking goals at the other end of the pitch.
“It has been a tough season for us,” Noble told the club’s media.
“I know I’ve been here for over two seasons now. Last season wasn’t this way.
“But then, I think the only thing we should do is for us, the players, to commit ourselves more, to put in our best because the coach (Finidi George) has been trying his possible best. And he can’t come to field to play with us. He can’t come to the field to play. He’s only giving us instructions, and we should be able to adhere to the instructions and keep working hard, and playing according to the pattern he wants us to play.
“I strongly believe that we’ll get out of this very soon because this is Enyimba. And this is a club that is always known for big games, and also known in the continent. So, we can’t give it up now. This is just the first round of the NPFL, and there’s every hope that the second round will be a different story”.
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.