Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday in Abuja declared open the Nigeria National League (NNL/Prostar/Sportslight Hub) Awards for November, describing the initiative as a vital step toward motivating players and administrators across Nigeria’s football ecosystem.

 

The monthly awards ceremony was instituted to recognise and reward outstanding performances in the Nigeria National League (NNL), the country’s second-tier football competition.

 

In his remarks, Dare praised the initiative for driving excellence, encouraging consistency and recognising achievements within Nigerian football. He commended the organisers and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for prioritising regular recognition, noting that such efforts help sustain motivation among players, coaches and officials.

 

“Recognising and rewarding efforts, especially on a monthly basis, is a great way to motivate players,” Dare said.

“Kudos to the NFF for prioritising this. It sets a great example for other sporting federations.”

 

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for what he described as setting a high benchmark in sports administration, citing the unprecedented rewards and recognition given to the Super Falcons after their recent triumph in Morocco.

 

“That’s the kind of leadership that inspires—acknowledging the value of sports and motivating athletes with tangible appreciation,” he said.

“His gesture speaks volumes about his commitment to Nigerian sports, and it’s exactly what our sportsmen and women need to strive for excellence.”

 

Dare stressed that recognition in sports should not be limited to major international successes but should extend to grassroots and domestic competitions, where the foundation of Nigerian football is built.

 

“Recognition and rewards shouldn’t be limited to global wins. It starts with grassroots efforts, where administrators play a key role,” he said.

“Winning at this level deserves recognition, which is why we are here today.”

 

Highlighting football’s unifying power in Nigeria, Dare shared a personal anecdote illustrating how sports icons often attract greater public admiration than political office holders.

 

“There were times when I travelled and people didn’t care that I was the minister. Once they saw Daniel Amokachi, they left me and cheered him. That’s the power of sports,” he said.

 

Dare formally declared the awards ceremony open, expressing delight at celebrating players and officials whose contributions promote national pride.

 

He also revealed that he had recently engaged the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, and the federation’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, advocating structural reforms in both the Nigeria Premier Football League and football development structures.

 

“I spoke with the NFF leadership, pushing for restructuring at both Premier League and football development levels to drive progress,” he said.

 

Commending the NFF for entrusting reform efforts to NNL Chairman George Aluo, alongside Emmanuel Attah and other officials, Dare acknowledged that reform processes are often slow and contentious.

 

“Change can be tough and slow, but like a seed taking time to sprout, progress may not be immediate. With patience, we’ll see incremental improvements in our football administration,” he said.

 

Despite existing challenges, Dare noted encouraging signs of progress, including improved discipline, better enforcement of rules and increased fan turnout at league venues.

 

“Stadiums are filling up, discipline is improving, and there’s a growing culture of enforcement. It’s a gradual process, but staying the course will get us where we want to be,” he said.

 

Speaking earlier, NNL Chairman George Aluo said the league’s monthly awards were designed to recognise and reward excellence, while motivating players, coaches and fans to perform at their best.

 

He noted that the initiative has helped improve the league’s image and attract corporate support. Aluo thanked the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, and sponsors Betbawa for their backing, which he said has made the league more competitive, with players and coaches benefiting from incentives, including a ₦56,000 locker-room bonus.

 

NNL/Prostar/Sportslight Hub Awardees for November:

• Highest Goal Scorer: Michael Adegbite (Crown FC) – three goals in two matches

• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Michael Adegbite (Crown FC)

• Best Behaved Team: Mighty Jets FC

• Best Referee: Abdulwahab Jibrin (Katsina Referees Council)

• Best Goalkeeper: Majayogbe Muyiwa

• Best Coach: Najeeb Mabo (Chief Coach, Doma United FC)

• Best Goal: Ogonyi Matthew Okpahe