Barrister Churchill Oliseh, Olushola Ogunnowo, and nine other distinguished football administrators will be honoured today as Family United By Football (FUBF) marks its 7th anniversary with the annual FUBF Day celebration at Halatria Hotel, Osogbo, Osun State.

 

The awards ceremony, organised by the Nigerian sports advocacy group, is aimed at recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to football development as the 2024/2025 football season draws to a close.

 

Speaking ahead of the event, FUBF Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen, described the occasion as a significant milestone for sports development in Osun State and Nigeria at large.

 

“This year has been transformative for sports in Osun State, and those who have made substantial contributions to the game deserve not just recognition but prestigious awards,” Shamsudeen said. “This initiative is meant to motivate continued excellence and will not be a one-off event.”

 

He stressed that football requires substantial investment, noting that while government involvement remains critical, private individuals and organisations must also play an active role.

 

“With the right leadership from football administrators, we can unlock the full potential of this billion-dollar industry, especially considering the abundance of emerging talent in Nigeria,” he added.

 

As part of the programme, Barrister Rotimi Alli will serve as guest speaker, delivering a keynote address on Legal and Ethical Issues in Modern Football, with focus on image rights, betting integrity, and conflict-of-interest management.

 

Among the award recipients is Barrister Churchill Oliseh, President of FC Ebedei, who is being recognised for his exceptional commitment to grassroots football and his academy’s vital role in producing talents for Nigeria’s national male teams.

 

Olushola Ogunnowo, Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One (NLO), Africa’s largest grassroots football league, will also be honoured for his visionary leadership and sustained efforts in positioning the NLO as the backbone of football development in Nigeria.

 

Other awardees include Mayor Sola Fanawopo, Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, who is being celebrated for exemplary administrative service, and Alhaji Olayiwola Olafiranye, a philanthropist recognised for his immense contributions to sports and societal development in Osun State.

 

Famomi Ayomide Kolawole, President of AAYK FC; Isaac Adesiyan, President of HMK FC; and Odeyemi Muhydeen Oladele, President of Hammola FC, will all receive awards for their humanitarian efforts and positive impact on football growth in the state.

 

Also to be honoured is Coach Olatunji Baruwa, MON, former Super Eagles goalkeeping coach and current Nasarawa United coach, for his dedication and influence on football development in Osun State.

 

Chief Ademola Adeshina, former international, ex-coach, and Chairman of Osun United, will be recognised for his long-standing and impactful contributions to the game, while Abayomi Amoo, Secretary of the Osun FA, will be honoured as an outstanding football administrator.

 

Completing the list is Mr. Ademola Daini, General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, who will be celebrated for his leadership and transformative role in advancing sports development across the state.

 

Organisers say the event will not only celebrate individual excellence but also reaffirm collective commitment to the sustained growth and progress of football in Nigeria.