Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, delivered a stirring and motivational address at the NNL/Prostar/Sportslight Hub Monthly Awards Ceremony held in Abuja, recognizing outstanding players, coaches, and referees for April and May 2025.

 

In his opening remarks, Aluo underlined the role of perseverance in achieving success. “Successful people are not gifted; they just work hard and then succeed on purpose,” he said. “The only thing standing between you and outrageous success is continuous progress.”

 

Reflecting on the 2024/2025 NNL season, Aluo praised the smooth and successful execution of the league and credited divine guidance for its accomplishments. He extended heartfelt appreciation to Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), 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 remarked.

 

The event honored recipients in seven key categories:

• Best Behaved Team

• Best Coach

• Best Goalkeeper

• Best Goal of the Month

• Highest Goal Scorer

• Most Valuable Player (MVP)

• Best Referee

 

Beyond sporting performance, Aluo emphasized the moral and social values demonstrated by the awardees. “This program is not just about football. It’s about recognizing discipline, compassion, and a thirst for growth,” he said. “We are committed to building not just great players but great citizens.”

 

Encouraging both current and aspiring athletes, Aluo stated, “To those of you who will receive awards today, I say well done. And to those outside 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.