Sports
NNL Honors Standout Players, Aluo Hails Gusau’s Leadership
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, has praised the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, describing him as a leader committed to the growth and success of Nigerian football.
Aluo made the remarks during the monthly NNL/Prostar/Sportlight Hub Awards ceremony for outstanding players and officials. According to him, Gusau remains focused on ensuring that all four tiers of Nigerian football flourish, emphasizing that merit and performance should always determine outcomes at the end of every competition.
He also commended the award recipients recognized over a combined three-month period, urging them to remain dedicated and not relent in their efforts. Aluo stressed that consistent hard work and discipline are essential for sustaining excellence in the league.
In the awards announced, Ajibola Joel of Stormers FC, Abeokuta, emerged as the highest goal scorer for December, while Tony Ayanga of Rovers FC claimed the honour for January. Innocent Idu of City FC was recognized as February’s top scorer.
In the goalkeeping category, Emmanuel Daniel of Ranchers Bees was named the best goalkeeper for December, Aloysius Thankgod of Akwa United took the award for January, and Alo Chukwu Pascal of Abakaliki FC emerged winner for February.
Paul Offor dominated the coaching category, clinching the Best Coach award for December, January, and February in a remarkable run of consistency.
Kada Warriors were adjudged the Best Behaved Team for December, with Rovers FC taking the January award, while Lobi Stars emerged winners for February.
For the Most Valuable Player (MVP) category, Yaro Zakari of Yobe Desert Warriors won in December, Victor Samuel of Sporting Lagos was recognized in January, and Obisesan Sodiq of Osun United claimed the February award.
The Goal of the Month awards went to Daniel Gothom of Akwa United (December), Babarinde Taofeek of Gateway FC (January), and Jafar Ojo of Smart City FC (February).
In the refereeing category, Zaharaddeen Nasiru of the Katsina Referee Council was honoured for December, Eke Henry of the Imo Referees Council won in January, while Mudashir Shehu of the Kaduna Referees Council was recognized for February.
The awards ceremony highlighted the NNL’s commitment to rewarding excellence and encouraging professionalism across all levels of the league.
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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