Segun Odunayo
Last night, major stakeholders in the Sports industry gathered at Eko hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos to honour sportsmen, sportswomen and journalists who have performed wonderfully well their duty of representing the country at major tournaments and media men who have given excellent reportage of sports to the public. It was a gathering of the 'who is who' in Nigerian sports.
Below are the list of some winners and their category:
Footballer of the year (Men)
Victor Moses
Footballer of the year (Women)
Asisat Oshoala
Journalist of the year (Television)
Promise Efoghe
Journalist of the year (Radio)
Tony Bekedeemo
Journalist of the year (Print)
Olalekan Okusan
Coach of the year
Akun Purity
Sportswoman of the year
Odunayo Adekuroye
Sportsman of the year
Aruna Quadri
One part of the program that got me was when Odunayo Adekuroye asked if she could sing a song after mounting the stage to pick her award. While singing, she couldn't resist the tears as they came pouring from her eyes. She went on to acknowledge certain individuals especially Dr. D. K Olukoya of the MFM ministries (Why wouldn't she, he single handedly sponsored her to the wrestling championship in Paris when everyone abandoned her including the Ondo State government:
https://www.aclsports.com/2017-senior-world-wrestling-championship-adekuoroye-laments-ondo-state-neglect/
On her baby looking beautiful face, joy was expressly written all over.
The ever jovial, friendly and nice Asisat Oshoala was busy catching fun, taking pictures with everyone that cared, greeting old friends and making new friends too, she's the proper definition of humility.
It was great seeing and chatting with my brother and friend, Shina Oludare (Editor, goal.com, Nigeria) who was nominated for the best print journalist of the year award which was eventually won by my 'Oga' Mr. Lekan Okusan (The Nation Newspaper). My brother and friend, Jerry Akpelohai also got nominated for the best radio journalist of the year too hoping to succeed another brother Olawale Adigun, however, it was not to be.
Amaju Pinnick was quick to praise his vice presidents for the success of his regime and even invited them to the podium after he received his award. From his speech, it's clear he's still basking in the euphoria of the Super Eagles victory over Argentina in Kransnoder.
Oooops, it's turning into an epistle already, let me stop here. I'll end by giving a big shout out to #TeamNaijaFootball, #TeamSportsTonic, #TeamBreakfastSports and #TeamTopSportsOnThursdays.
Adios!
