The city of Paris is set to witness a grand celebration of Nigerian sporting excellence as the prestigious Nigeria-France Sports Award holds today at the iconic Maison Des Arts in Le Plessis-Robinson.
Now in its third edition, the event continues to honour outstanding contributions by Nigerian athletes, sports administrators, and advocates both at home and in the diaspora. Spearheaded by Babatunde Ojora, a seasoned sports journalist and media entrepreneur based in France, the Nigeria-France Sports Award has grown to become a significant platform showcasing the achievements and global impact of Nigerian sports professionals.
Ojora, a contributor to BBC, Goal.com, and a contributor on Arise News, also helms OJB Sports, a media initiative amplifying African sports stories.
This year’s edition will feature a dazzling Red Carpet event at 6:00 PM, followed by the main ceremony at 7:00 PM, where the stars of Nigerian sports will be recognised and celebrated. With attendance expected from influential global sports journalists and administrators, the ceremony promises to further elevate Nigeria’s sporting reputation on the international stage.
One of the evening’s major highlights will be the presentation of the Best Sports Commissioner Award to Onoriode Oborebori, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission. His award recognises his transformative leadership and progressive policies that have repositioned Delta State as a hub of athletic excellence in Nigeria.
Another highly anticipated moment will be the honouring of Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, popularly known as IBD Dende, who will receive the Green and White Champion Award. A successful businessman, IBD Dende has leveraged his influence and wealth to empower youth through sports, particularly in his hometown of Yewa, Ogun State, where his investments have nurtured grassroots talents.
The award ceremony will welcome notable sports journalists such as Biola Kazeem, Shina Okeleji, and Sulaimon Folarin, who are flying in from the United States. Their presence signals the growing global relevance of the awards and the increasing recognition of Nigerian achievements in sports media circles.
Also gracing the event is Adeboye Adeyinka, popularly known as Zulu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development. His strategic partnership with the organisers aims to further entrench Nigeria’s sporting culture within the global narrative and elevate young talents to international standards.
Another luminary to be honoured tonight is Dr Drew Uyi, a British-Nigerian football agent and brand strategist with global reach. A FIFA and FA-licensed agent, Drew Uyi is recognised for his unmatched work in athlete branding and his relentless efforts in helping African athletes realise their professional dreams.
The award ceremony will also pay tribute to several other sporting icons and contributors, including Maria Tavares, Adeboye Anthony, Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi, Ibukun Simon, and Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade. Their stories of excellence, perseverance, and impact will form the heart of a memorable night in Paris – one that underscores the boundless potential of Nigerian sports.
