President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria National League (NNL) for its bold strides in revitalizing Nigeria’s second-tier domestic football competition.
Gusau gave the commendation on Wednesday in Abuja, where he served as Special Guest at the NNL Prostar and Sports Hub Monthly Awards ceremony for April and May 2025. The event recognized standout performers and contributors to the league’s development.
Applauding the NNL Board chaired by veteran sports journalist George Aluo, the NFF President hailed the league’s renewed visibility and professionalism.
“We are happy with what you are doing and we want you to do more,” Gusau said. “We want to ensure that the NNL continues with the awards and its good programmes. By the grace of God, we will continue to support the NNL. Rewarding excellence is key to what we are doing. The NNL is laying a proper foundation for the development of our football.”
Gusau further emphasized the importance of synergy across all tiers of Nigerian football, noting that aligning the domestic calendar with Europe’s for nearly a decade has been a significant achievement.
“I like the synergy amongst our leagues — this is good for further growth,” he added.
Fresh from attending the FIFA Council meeting and the opening matches of the FIFA Club World Cup in Florida, USA, Gusau also offered words of encouragement to both current and aspiring award recipients.
“To the recipients of awards — be encouraged and don’t rest on your oars. Let the awards spur you on. To those not awarded today — your time will come if you continue to do well.”
April 2025 Award Winners:
• Top Scorer: Gukut Chindi (Edel FC, Akwa)
• Coach of the Month: Napoleon Aluma (Warri Wolves)
• Most Valuable Player: Valentine Ugwu (Solution FC, Awka)
May 2025 Award Winners:
• Top Scorer: Yakubu Wonderson (Wikki Tourists, Bauchi)
• Most Valuable Player: Gabriel Olalekan (Osun United)
• Coach of the Month: Shakiru Giwa (Inter Lagos)
The NNL Awards, a joint initiative by the league and its partners, aim to celebrate excellence, boost morale, and deepen the professional culture across Nigeria’s football pyramid.
