Sports
Abia Govt Denies Sacking Finidi George
Abia State Government, on Monday denied reports that Enyimba of Aba Manager, Finidi George, has been sacked alongside other members of the technical crew.
A letter signed by Enyimba’ Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, on Monday had instructed members of the club’s teams A and B to reapply for their jobs if they desired to retain the positions.
The letter warned the affected officials that they must submit their application to the management of the club within 48 hours if they still wanted their jobs.
Following that letter, some online outfits started reporting that the club had sacked Finidi, who played alongside Enyimba Chairman, Kanu Nwankwo, in Ajax Amsterdam and the Super Eagles.
However, a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Kazie Ukoh, on Monday, dismissed the reports.
It said: “The Abia State Government wishes to call on the general public to disregard the story making the rounds that the technical bench of Nigeria’s Premier League champions, Enyimba InternationalFootball Club, Aba, has been sacked.
“There is no iota of truth in that fable as no directive has been issued in that regard by either the state government or the club’s management.
“Mr. Finidi George, manager of Enyimba and Nigeria’sformer international, remains in charge at the club. Likewise all other officers.”
Tidesports source recall that Finidi recently led Enyimba to win the 2022/23Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) title at the Championship Play-off held in Lagos.
He is currently preparing the team for the 2023/24 CAF Champions League and the new African Super League, which is billed to kick off later this year.
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.