Sports
First Bank FC of Lagos, Kennedy, Nurudeen Among Winners at NNL Prostar/Sportslight Hub February Edition Awards
…Over Nine NNL Matches Streamed Worldwide – Emmanuel Attah
By Joel Ajayi
The third edition of the NNL Prostar/Sportslight Hub Monthly Awards took center stage at the West Point Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, where clubs, players, coaches, and referees were honored for their outstanding performances in February.
The glamour-filled event brought together dignitaries, players, and key stakeholders to celebrate excellence and dedication across the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Award Highlights:
Best Behaved Team of the Month: First Bank FC of Lagos
Best Coach of the Month: Coach Obinna Uzoho Kun Khalifat of Owerri.
Best Player of the Month: [Name Missing]
Best Goal of the Month: Energy Kennedy of Godswill Akpabio FC.
Best Referee of the Month: Adekoya Warith of Lagos State FA Council.
Best Goalkeeper of the Month: Lateef Nurudeen of Igbajo FC, Osogbo.
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Austin Ajegbeyi of First Bank FC of Lagos – with four goals in the month.
Highest Goal Scorer of the Month: Anthony Ndubisi of Madiba FC – also with four goals
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League, Mr. Emmanuel Attah, congratulated all awardees and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.
He emphasized that the awards initiative, launched in partnership with Prostar in June 2023, is aimed at motivating players, coaches, and referees while promoting discipline and professionalism in the league.
“Since we began in December 2024, the impact has been significant. The awards have helped boost the visibility of the NNL globally—with at least nine matches being streamed and watched around the world,” Attah said.”The presence of NFF management here today is a testament to the progress we are making.”
Representing the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the 2nd Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi, officially declared the third edition of the awards open.
“There’s no doubt that the progress made by the NNL is commendable. These awards will boost morale, promote healthy competition, and inspire players to reach their full potential,” he stated.”The NFF is proud to witness the growth of the NNL and reaffirms its commitment to supporting continued development and innovation in the league.”
In his opening remarks, the new Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, Mr. Alanana Danlami, noted that the monthly awards are designed to energize players and teams, helping to elevate the league’s profile.
“We’re committed to intensifying our efforts and improving on this initiative. We thank our partners and the NFF for their support, without which the NNL could not thrive,” he concluded
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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