Sports
Finidi Finished My Eagles’ Career-Dimeji Lawal
Former Junior international and ex-Super Eagles Star Dimeji Lawal has sensationally declared that the emergence of the mercurial Finidi George marked the end of his career in the Super Eagles in the 90s.
Speaking as a Special Guest of the Ex-University Ibadan Footballers Association virtual interactive program yesterday, Dimeji Lawal, popularly called Kabongo by his numerous fans, declared that the emergence of Finidi George and preference by Clemens Westerhoff ended his Eagles career even before it clearly kicked off. According to the speedy winger, who was on the books of Spanish giants Real Madrid at the time, “Westerhoff single-handedly played a role in my setback with the national team but he cannot be blamed for creating a perfect replacement in Finidi George, who, without doubt, remains one of the best in our position. My utmost respect to Finito’ he declared.
Dimeji Lawal, at the height of his career, signed for Real Madrid in 1989 alongside Mutiu Adepoju and Chris Ohenhen of the Daman Miracle fame but found playing time incredibly difficult gave reasons why the trio could not break into the Madrid first team. According to him, “My signing for Madrid was a long story of fulfillment. I couldn’t have dreamt that football would take me to Santiago Bernabeu one day, not to talk of seating in the same dressing room with Hugo Sanchez, Michel Salgado, Bernd Schuster, Oscar Ruggeri, George Hagi, Robert Prosinescki, Emilio Butragueno, Canizares, and Fernando Hierro amongst others!”
Speaking further, he said, “My first setback was that in those days, there was a quota system as you could only have 4 foreigners registered and only three could play in a game, unlike now that the system has changed drastically. So looking at the aforementioned superstars, we can all understand why it was so difficult to become a part of the first team. We had a few opportunities to play with the first team in some friendly games but not in an official league match.”
Nonetheless, Lawal was grateful to God for the privilege of playing at that level. According to him, “With the array of talents at Madrid at that time, unfortunately, I could not edge out the foreigners above me because football and representation go beyond just the leather object. But no regrets. While I was signed by Madrid, my younger brother Muyiwa also signed for Atletico Madrid. I thank God for the uncommon privilege and honor” he concluded.
Dimeji Lawal was a strong member of the U-17 team to Canada ‘87 and the U-20 team to Saudi ‘89 where the teams ended as silver medalists on both occasions.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race
Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively
The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.
The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.
In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.
In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.
According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.
The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.
The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.
Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.
The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.
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