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Clubs, Players, Referees Scoop NNL/Prostar/Sportslight January Monthly Awards

Published

12 months ago

February 13, 2025

…We will not relent in our efforts – NNL
By Joel Ajayi

Clubs, players, coaches, and referees have been honored with the January edition of the 2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) / Prostar / Sportslight Hub Monthly Awards.

Abdulahi Umar, the lanky forward of Kebbi United, was named the Most Valuable Player and Highest Goal Scorer of the Month, while Crown FC’s Oladeji Joshua pocketed the Best Goalkeeper of the Month award. Gateway’s Babtunde Toafeek won the Goal of the Month.

Solution FC’s Emmanuel Deutsh and Ogunfolarin Joshua were named Best Coach and Best Referee of the Month, respectively.

Additionally, Gateway United of Abeokuta was recognized as the Best Behaved Team of the Month.

Oladeji Joshua maintained three clean sheets in his matches without receiving any cautions, while Abdulahi Umar scored four goals, including a hat-trick—his first of the season. Emmanuel Deutsh guided Solution FC to two wins and a draw during the month.

The ProStar NNL Monthly Awards ceremony took place on Thursday at the NNL Headquarters, the Glass House in Wuse Zone 7, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria National League, Mr. Emmanuel Attah, congratulated all the awardees and urged them not to relent in their efforts. He emphasized that the awards are part of the NNL’s initiative to motivate coaches, players, and referees to give their best, serving as inspiration for others to excel.

He assured that the awards would continue, while also commending Prostar and Spotlight Hub for helping to raise the profile of the NNL, which he described as the most important league.
In his remarks, the Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Ayo Hameed Abdulrahman, expressed that the awards would go a long way in motivating the recipients to continue improving their performance, as well as inspiring others.

Commenting on the progress of the league, Abdulrahman said there has been significant improvement.

“You see, apart from fair play, the next focus is development in football. And that is what is happening in the National League,” he said. “We are committed to development. We are actively seeking sponsors, and we believe that rebranding the league will make us more visible.

“We are working hard to motivate good performances and, on the flip side, address negative behavior officially. This is part of what we promised during the last AGM in Bauchi, and we are fulfilling that promise. We are confident that the National League will reach greater heights in the near future,” Abdulrahman added.

In his vote of thanks, Abdulahi Umar, the Most Valuable Player and Highest Goal Scorer of the Month, expressed his gratitude to the Nigeria National League for the initiative. He pledged to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that he and his teammates help Kebbi United reach the Super 8.

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Davis Cup 2026: Nigeria Set to Host Uzbekistan in World Group II Play-Off Clash

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

The Gleamer

Team Nigeria will take on Uzbekistan in the World Group II Playoffs of the 2026 Davis Cup, scheduled for 7–8 February at the historic Lagos Lawn Tennis Club 1895, Lagos being by the International Tennis Federation.

The Nigerian team, made up of Adeleye Daniel, Emmanuel Michael, Bulus Christopher, Abua Canice, and Alafia Ayeni, will compete in both the men’s singles and doubles events as they seek a historic victory on home soil.

Nigeria secured the playoff berth following a convincing outing at the African Group III tournament in Zimbabwe, where they finished among the top teams alongside Namibia and Senegal.

Their impressive performance earned them promotion and a place in the highly competitive World Group II Playoffs.

Following Nigeria’s qualification, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) officially confirmed Nigeria’s hosting rights, giving the country the advantage of playing before a home crowd in Lagos.

A win against Uzbekistan would see Team Nigeria advance to World Group II, and potentially World Group I, bringing them closer to the elite stage of global tennis and the possibility of featuring at the Davis Cup World Finals.

Reacting to the development, President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Victor Ochei, expressed confidence in both the team’s readiness and the country’s capacity to host a successful tournament.

“We are optimistic that Nigeria will not only host a successful Davis Cup playoff but will also overcome Uzbekistan and return the country to the global spotlight in tennis,” Ochei said.

The NTF president also commended the Lagos State Government, the National Sports Commission, and members of the Local Organising Committee for ensuring that all logistics and facilities are in place ahead of the tie.

The Davis Cup playoff is expected to draw significant attention from tennis enthusiasts and sports fans across the country as Nigeria looks to make a strong statement on the international stage.

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