Joel Ajayi
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, opens NNL Awards, describing the initiative as a vital step in motivating players and administrators across Nigeria’s football ecosystem on Tuesday in Abuja.
He declared open the Nigeria National League (NNL/Prostar/Sportslight Hub) Awards for November.
The reports have it that the monthly awards ceremony is designed to recognise and reward outstanding performances in the Nigeria National League ( NNL), Nigeria’s second-tier football competition.
In his remarks, Dare praising initiative for motivating Nigerian football stakeholders, driving excellence, and recognizing outstanding performances in the country’s football ecosystem.
He praised the organisers and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for prioritising consistent recognition of achievements, noting that such efforts help sustain motivation among players and officials.
“Recognising and rewarding efforts, especially on a monthly basis, is a great way to motivate players.
“Kudos to the NFF for prioritising this. It sets a great example for other sporting federations,” he said.
Dare also commended President Bola Tinubu for setting what he described as a high standard in sports administration, referencing the unprecedented rewards and recognition given to the Super Falcons following their triumph in Morocco.
“That’s the kind of leadership that inspires—acknowledging the value of sports and motivating athletes with tangible appreciation.
“ His gesture speaks volumes about his commitment to Nigerian sports, and it’s exactly what our sportsmen and women need to strive for excellence,” he said.
He stressed that recognition in sports should not be limited to major international victories but must extend to grassroots and domestic competitions where the foundation of Nigerian football is built.
He also highlighted the unifying power of football in Nigeria, sharing a personal anecdote to illustrate how sports figures often command greater public admiration than political office holders.
Dare formally declared the awards ceremony open, expressing delight at celebrating players and officials whose efforts contribute to national pride.
Dare commended the NFF for entrusting the leadership of reforms to George Aluo, alongside Emmanuel Attah and other NNL officials, acknowledging that reform processes can be slow and contentious.
In spite existing challenges, he said there were encouraging signs of progress in Nigerian football, including improved discipline, better enforcement of rules, and increased fan turnout at stadiums.
He said the event underscored the importance of sustained recognition and rewards at all levels of Nigerian football, particularly at the grassroots, as a means of driving excellence and long-term development.
On his part, NNL Chairman ,George Aluo ,said that the league’s monthly award is designed to recognise and reward excellence, motivating players, coaches, and fans to perform at their best.
He noted that their efforts are yielding positive results, with the league’s image improving and attracting corporate support.
Aluo thanked the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, and sponsor Betbawa for their support, which has made the league more competitive, with players and coaches receiving bonuses, including a ₦56,000 locker room bonus
The NNL/PROSTAR/SPORTSLIGHT HUB Awardees for the of November
Highest Goal Scorer: Michael Adegbite, Crown FC with three goals in two matches.;MVP: Michael Adegbite,Crown FC (MOTM )
Best Behaved Team: Mighty Jets FC,Best Referee: Abdulwahab Jibrin. Katsina Referees Council.,Best Goal Keeper: Majayogbe Muyiwa.
Best Coach: Najeeb Mabo, Chief Coach Doma united FC. Best Goal: Ogonyi Matthew.
