Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and current Chairman of the Nigeria Professional League Board, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye are top on the list of those nominated for different awards categories by the organisers of the annual Sportsville Special Recognition Awards.

Former Athletic Federation Chairman and current NOC first Vice President, Chief Solomon Ogba, and Otunba Segun Runsewe were also named.

The nominees were rolled out yesterday at an elaborate ceremony in Lagos by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Adekunle Salami. According to Salami, his committee took pains to ensure that only those truly deserving made the final cut.

For the Icon category are Senator (Chief) Orji Uzor Kalu, Otunba Segun Runsewe OON, Chief Solomon Ogba, Rtn. Victor Ochei is on the cards while Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye is the only nominee for the administrator of the year category.

A total of 10 recipients are on the cards for the special recognition category. They are: Hon. Fatai Adekunle Ayoola (Executive Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA); Edington Kuejebola, Hajiya Zainab Saleh; Hon. Agboola Dabiri; Gbenga Ojofeitimi; Kunle Solaja; Dr Uyi Akpata; Coach Sebastian Brodricks (Post Humous); Francis Orbih and Brila FM.

Also, for the Jenkins Alumona in the innovative category, Hon Daniel Igali was nominated for the Integrity category while MTN, Tucan Energy, and Nestle Nigeria were nominated for the corporate category.

Remo Stars Complex stood out in the Best Facilities category (Private), just as the Edo State Government got the nod on Best Facilities in the government category courtesy of the Samuel Ogbemudia Sports Complex. Delta State will also be rewarded with the biggest investment in sports award.

There are also sports federation categories and support for the Nigerian league category.

Salami explained that three new categories have been added to this year’s edition: Innovative Award, Integrity Award, and NPFL Awards (Coach of the Year, Player of the Year, Referee of the Year, and Media Officer of the Year).

“The Chief Executive Officer of Sportsville, Frank Ilaboya, has been an advocate of strong Nigerian League and believes recognition of this nature will propel the actors to do better,” he added.

The ceremony will be held on Friday, March 1st, 2024 at the Prestigious EKO CLUB off Bode Thomas in Lagos under the Chairmanship of former Green Eagles Skipper, Dr Segun Odegbami.