George Aluo, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), delivered a stirring and motivational address at the NNL/Prostar/Sportslight Hub Awards Ceremony held in Abuja, recognising outstanding players, coaches, and referees for April and May 2025, Completesports.com reports.
Aluo, at the awards ceremony, highlighted the role of perseverance in achieving success in sports as well as in everyday life.
“Successful people are not gifted; they just work hard and then succeed on purpose,” Aluo said, adding: “The only thing standing between you and outrageous success is continuous progress.”
The NNL boss reflected on the 2024/2025 second-tier domestic league season, praising the smooth and successful execution of the league, and credited ‘divine guidance’ for its accomplishments.
He extended heartfelt appreciation to the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, for his “fatherly guidance and rich counsels”, and also thanked the entire NFF Executive Committee for their support.
The monthly award, first held in December 2024, has since become a regular platform for spotlighting the exceptional efforts of those within Nigeria’s second-tier football league.
“These brilliant athletes exhibit qualities that will not only help them achieve their goals, but also bring glory to their clubs, the NNL, and Nigeria as a whole,” Aluo emphasised.
The event honoured recipients in seven key categories for months of April and May 2024
Winners For April:
- Best Behaved Team: Sokoto United
- Best Coach: Napoleon Ahuma (Warri Wolves)
- Best Goalkeeper : Efevwerha Joke (Warri Wolves)
- Best Goal of the Month: Shamasu Mohammed (Barau FC)
- Highest Goal Scorer: Chindi Merpring (Edel FC) – 3 goals and 1 assist in three matches.
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Valentine Ugwu (Solution FC)
- Best Referee: Abubaker Zubairu (Katsina State Referees Council
- Best Behaved Team: Sokoto United
- Best Coach: Shakiru Favour Giwa (Inter Lagos FC)
- Best Goalkeeper : Bala Favour (Inter Lagos FC)
- Best Goal of the Month: Aniete Ukoh (Dakkada FC)
- Highest Goal Scorer: Yakubu Wonderson (Wikki Tourists FC)
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Gabriel Olalekan (Osun United FC)
- Best Referee: Daniel Amadu (Kaduna State Referees Council)
Beyond sporting performance, Aluo emphasised the moral and social values demonstrated by the awardees. “This programme is not just about football. It’s about recognising discipline, compassion, and a thirst for growth,” he said. “We are committed to building not just great players but great citizens.”
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Encouraging both current and aspiring athletes, Aluo stated: “To those of you who will receive awards today, I say well done. And to those out there, I say—you too can be a football celebrity.”
In his closing remarks, the NNL Chairman issued a passionate call to corporate Nigeria: “No league worldwide can thrive without the presence and collaboration of reputable sponsors. We invite all corporate bodies and agencies to identify with us and support the growth of the NNL.”
He extended special appreciation to the league’s partners, Prostar Recreational Services Ltd and Sportslight Hub, for their commitment to developing football at the grassroots. Aluo also thanked the distinguished guests in attendance for their presence and support.
The ceremony once again highlighted the NNL’s ongoing mission to inspire excellence, reward hard work, and position itself as one of Africa’s most professionally managed football leagues.
