By Lagos is set to come alive today, March 7, 2025, as the city hosts the first-ever Newstap/SWAN Five-Star Sports Award. The event will take place at Eko Club, located off Bode Thomas Street in Surulere, and will begin at 6 pm.
The award ceremony will be chaired by Mallam Shehu Dikko, one of Nigeria’s most respected sports administrators. Top sports personalities, administrators, and stakeholders from across the country have confirmed their attendance to celebrate individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to Nigerian sports.
Among those to be honoured are the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and GTI Assets Management and Trust Limited, the company credited with transforming the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL). Also on the list are Kunle Soname, President of Remo Stars, and Barrister Paul Edeh, who made history by founding two women’s football clubs in Nigeria — Naija Ratels and Benue Queens.
Chief Ebi Egbe, CEO of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Limited, will also be recognized for his outstanding work in sports infrastructure across Africa. Organizers say the event is meant to appreciate these trailblazers and inspire others to invest in Nigerian sports.
In addition to the individual awards, special recognition will be given to Nigeria’s leading football supporters’ clubs. These include the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), the Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC), the Super Eagles Supporters Club (SESC), and the Football Fans Club of Nigeria (FFCN).
The recognition aims to highlight the role these fan groups play in boosting the morale of Nigerian athletes and promoting local football culture. It is also hoped that bringing the groups together will encourage them to resolve long-standing internal disputes and foster unity within the supporters’ community.
