Odiye, Okoku donate sports gears, grants to St. Finbarrs College

Several years after leaving the country, former Green Eagles defender, Godwin Odiye is back in Nigeria’s sports circle.

Odiye, who is based in the United States, made several appearances for the senior Nigeria national team, including FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, and played at the 1976 and 1980 African Cup of Nations finals. But he is popularly known as the defender that scored an own goal in a 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Tunisia in Lagos. That goal ensured that the Green Eagles did not make the 1978 World Cup.

Odiye and another U.S.-based former national team player, Paul Okoku, reaffirmed their commitment to education and sports by making a remarkable donation of sports equipment and a monetary scholarship to St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos.

The gesture was displayed during the school’s 60th inter-house sports competition, held on January 25, 2025, at the school’s premises in Akoka.

The sports equipment donated by Odiye and Okoku were presented to a cheering crowd in the school’s sports complex.

It sparked jubilation from the school authority, parents, students, well wishers and distinguished former students of the secondary, who spoke glowingly of the humanitarian efforts of the US-based former students.

The duo of Odiye and Okoku donated high-quality sports equipment, including Adidas jerseys, football boots, branded tracksuits, shin guards, hoses, and goalkeeper’s gloves.

They also bolstered the school’s scholarship programme through the St. Finbarr’s Old Boys Association, offering deserving students opportunities to excel academically.

Representing the two legends, Friday Okoku, presented the donations to the school administrator, Rev. Father Babalola Emmanuel, who expressed heartfelt gratitude.

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