Former Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and current Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) in the Imo State Government, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, is set to receive the prestigious Wakawaka Sports Award this weekend in Owerri.

A respected figure in Nigerian sports, Dr. Ekeji is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the development and transformation of sports administration in the country. A former national team player and coach, he later served as DG of the NSC, where he implemented key reforms that helped shape modern sports policy and infrastructure in Nigeria.

Reacting to the announcement of the award, Dr. Ekeji expressed gratitude and reflected on the importance of grassroots sports development.

> “I am truly honored to be recognized with the Wakawaka Sports Award. It is a humbling experience,” he said. “But beyond this recognition, I want to use this opportunity to emphasize the need for the adequate utilization of mini sports centers across Nigeria. These centers are crucial in identifying and nurturing young talents who can go on to bring honor to the nation.”

The award ceremony, which will take place at the elegant City Cruz Hotel in Owerri, promises to be a grand celebration of sports excellence, bringing together top athletes, administrators, and stakeholders to honor those who have made lasting impacts on Nigerian sports.

Dr. Ekeji’s legacy continues to inspire many, both on and off the field, as a symbol of dedication, discipline, and visionary leadership.

Mr. Andrew Ekejiuba, Head of Media and Publicity at GTI Group, has expressed his delight at being named a recipient of the prestigious Wakawaka Sports Award. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the City Cruz Hotel in Owerri on June 7, 2025.

Ekejiuba acknowledged the importance of the recognition and extended heartfelt gratitude to the organisers for the honour. In his remarks, he dedicated the award to the dedicated team at GTI Group, whose tireless efforts, he said, have played a key role in the remarkable progress recorded in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Reaffirming his confidence in the league’s future, Ekejiuba stated, “With sustained dedication and the right support, the NPFL is well on its way to becoming one of the top football leagues in Africa.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Company, Mr. Ebi Egbe, has dedicated his prestigious Wakawaka Sports Award to the bereaved families of the Kano State contingent who recently lost their lives in a tragic accident, as well as to his dedicated staff who have been instrumental in redefining sports infrastructure in Nigeria.

Mr. Egbe, a former London-based match agent turned sports facility expert, has become a household name in Nigeria’s sports development scene. His company, Monimichelle, has been at the forefront of delivering top-tier sporting facilities that meet international standards.

“I dedicate this award to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent tragedy and to my hardworking staff who share in this mission to change the face of sports infrastructure in our country,” Egbe said. “We are proud of what we have achieved so far, but this is also a reminder that we must keep working to build a sporting environment that truly honors the passion and dedication of our athletes.”

Monimichelle’s notable projects include the Enyimba International Stadium pitch in Aba, renowned for its durability and consistent quality; the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, which has become a top destination for major football events; and the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, now widely regarded as a hub for elite football in the country.

With numerous standout facilities across Nigeria, Monimichelle continues to set the gold standard for sports construction, embodying what it means to be a strong and reliable Nigerian brand contributing to the nation’s sporting future.

This weekend in Owerri, the heart of Imo State will beat louder for Nigerian sports as icons from across the nation gather at the prestigious City Cruz Hotel. Among those to be celebrated is one of Nigeria’s most admired football figures — Desire Ugochi Oparanozie, former captain of the Super Falcons, who will be honored with a Wakawaka Sports Award for her outstanding contributions to Nigerian football.

Oparanozie’s journey is one defined by resilience, leadership, and consistency. From the dusty pitches of Owerri to global stadiums under the lights of international tournaments, her rise in the world of football has inspired a generation.

Born in Owerri in December 1993, Oparanozie began her professional career with Bayelsa Queens before moving on to Delta Queens, where she quickly established herself as one of Nigeria’s most lethal forwards, helping the club to two league titles.

Her talent could not be contained within Nigerian borders. A series of international moves followed — to Turkey, Russia, Germany, and eventually France, where she spent six years with En Avant Guingamp and became not just a top scorer but club captain, earning the respect of fans and teammates alike. She later played for Dijon FCO and Wuhan Jianghan University FC in China before retiring in 2023.

Oparanozie’s legacy extends far beyond her club career. For over a decade, she was a consistent presence in the Super Falcons, helping Nigeria to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) four times — in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Her 2014 performance was particularly memorable as she claimed the Golden Boot with five goals.

But perhaps her most defining moment came off the pitch. As captain, she led a public call for equal pay and better treatment for women footballers in Nigeria — a bold move that sparked nationwide conversation and paved the way for structural change in Nigerian women’s football.

As she prepares to receive her award at City Cruz Hotel, Oparanozie remains humble. “It’s an honor to be recognized at home,” she said. “This award is not just for me — it’s for every girl who dreams of wearing the green jersey. I’m proud of what I’ve done, and even more excited for what the future holds for women’s football in Nigeria.”

The Wakawaka Sports Awards promise to be a night of celebration, reflection, and inspiration — and Desire Oparanozie’s name will be right at the center of it, as it should be.

The National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers ( NANPF) heartily congratulates the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their outstanding victory in the Unity Cup.

This important win, particularly against our long-standing rivals, Ghana is truly commendable.

The winning spirit displayed by the team is inspiring to millions of Nigerians and fans of the game around the world, and we wish you continued success in all future international competitions.

We salute the team for their dedication and the unity they showed throughout the tournament. May more international successes . The entire Nigerian football community celebrates with you.