Sports

Sunday Dare Unveils NNL November Awards, Pushes for Grassroots Development and Football Reforms in Nigeria

Published

10 months ago

December 16, 2025

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.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

7 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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