NNL monthly award: Dare canvasses good reward system for sports heroes

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has canvassed a good reward system for sportsmen and women, saying doing so would not only motivate the athletes but would also make them aim higher and win more laurels for the country.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communications and Orientation made the remarks while declaring open the Nigeria National League (NNL) monthly award for November to recognise the League’s highest goal scorer, most valuable player (MVP).

The award was won by Michael Adegbite (Crown FC), best behaved team (Mighty Jets FC), best referee, Abdulwahab Jibrin (Katsina Referees Council); best goalkeeper, Majayogbe Muyiwa, best coach, Najeeb Mabo (chief coach, Doma United FC) and the best goal, Ogonyi Matthew Okpahe.

Dare said the culture of rewarding on a monthly basis is very important, adding that athletes’ efforts should be appreciated at all times.

He added that President Bola Tinubu, in recognising the contribution of athletes to national development, has set the bar for the reward system to encourage them (the athletes), going by what he (Tinubu) did for the Super Falcons and D’Tigress in the outgoing year.

“His (President) gesture speaks volumes about his commitment to Nigerian sports and it’s exactly what our sportsmen and women need to strive for excellence. That’s the kind of leadership that inspires, acknowledging the value of sports and motivating athletes with tangible appreciation.

Kudos to the NFF for prioritising this (the award). It sets a great example for other sporting Federations. Recognition and rewards shouldn’t be limited to global wins. It starts with grassroots efforts, where administrators play a key role,” Dare said.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who was represented at the event by the Federation’s General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, commended the NNL for repositioning the League as he advised the leadership to continue to strive for the best and aim for greater heights.

Speaking earlier, NNL chairman, George Aluo, said the League’s monthly awards were designed to recognise and reward excellence as well as to motivate players, coaches and fans to perform at their best.

He said that the initiative has helped improve the league’s image and attract corporate support.

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