Sports
Rivers United Deny Reports Linking Finidi, Amapakabo
Nigeria Premier Football League side, Rivers United have denied reports linking former Enyimba and Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George as well as ex-Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo to the club.
Following the dismissal of long-serving coach Stanley Eguma last season, the 2022 NPFL champions were guided until the end of the season by head coach Evans Ogenyi, but rumours about Finidi and Amapakabo taking charge at the Port Harcourt side have been rife recently.
In the wake of the speculations, as well as other rumours revolving around the transfer of some of their players, media officer of the team, Charles Mayuku, described the reports as “baseless.”
“We have heard of Finidi George, we have heard of Imama Amapakabo, in fact, we will soon hear of Jose Mourinho. Those are just rumours and as a matter of fact, we are resuming training ahead of next season on Wednesday,” Mayuku said.
Mayuku also confirmed that the transfer of midfielder, Augustine Okejepha to Tanzanian giants, Simba SC was the only deal completed by the club, while Deputy Echeta, whose exit has also been rumoured, is still on contract.
“That was the same way they said we rejected $150,000 for Andy Okpe. Why are we going to reject that kind of money? It’s normal for players to want to leave but the process has to be followed for players like Deputy. He still has a contract, so he can’t just jump ship to any club unless Rivers United decide to sell,” Mayuku said.
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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