League Bloggers honour Gov. Mbah, Ahmed Musa, Rangers, others at 2026 Awards Gala

Folami Olamide & Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Former Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa, Rangers International Football Club, Kano Pillars legend, Rabiu Ali and several outstanding players, coaches, clubs and corporate organisations were among the major winners honoured at the 2026 League Bloggers Awards (LBA) Gala held in Lagos, in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the growth and development of Nigerian football.

According to the organizer, Mr. Ojeikere Aikhoje, the League Bloggers Award has remained committed to promoting the Nigeria Premier Football League through quality sports journalism, improved media coverage and sustained advocacy for the development of domestic football.

Ojekere stressed the need for greater appreciation of footballers and stakeholders whose sacrifices continue to strengthen the game, while encouraging younger players to remain focused and strive for excellence.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious legacy awards to individuals whose investments and contributions have significantly advanced football development in Nigeria.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State received the Legacy Award for his administration’s commitment to sports development and infrastructural renewal.

Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, the Enugu State Commissioner for Sports expressed appreciation to the League Bloggers Awards for the honour and commended the association for promoting Nigerian football through responsible and quality journalism.

He said the Enugu State Government had continued to invest heavily in Rangers International Football Club while undertaking major renovation works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to provide modern sporting facilities capable of nurturing young talents and hosting major football competitions.

Businessman and proprietor of Remo Stars FC, Hon. Kunle Soname, was also honoured with a Legacy Award for his enormous investment in football infrastructure, particularly the development of the Remo Stars Stadium, recognised as the only league venue equipped with LED perimeter advertising panels.

Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Sir Davidson Owumi, equally received a Legacy Award for his outstanding contributions to the growth and professionalisation of the domestic league, as well as his historic achievements as one of the earliest officially recognised top scorers in Nigerian league football.

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa received the NPFL All-Star Award in recognition of his immense contributions to Nigerian football and his continued support for the domestic league.
Kano Pillars captain Rabiu Ali also received the NPFL All-Star Award for his remarkable consistency and longevity, having remained one of the country’s most influential players while featuring in all 34 league matches during the season.

The awards ceremony also recognised organisations that have consistently partnered with the League Bloggers Awards in advancing football development.

Among the corporate organisations honoured were BetKing, Afrino, Eunisell and Bet9ja for their unwavering support.

Ikorodu City FC received the Sponsorship Innovation Award, which was presented by the Group Managing Director of Rangers International FC, Amobi Ezeaku, in recognition of the club’s innovative approach to sponsorship and commercial partnerships.

Several competitive awards were presented to outstanding performers across the football season.

Jeffery Betteh emerged Coach of the Season in the Nigeria National League (NNL), while Sporting Lagos was named NNL Team of the Season.

Chidozie Iwundu won the Defender of the Season Award after an impressive campaign in which he featured in all 34 league matches and scored eight goals from defence.

Barau FC was recognised as the Best Newly Promoted Team following an outstanding debut campaign.

Ayobami Junior of Shooting Stars Sports Club claimed the Midfielder of the Season Award for his exceptional performances throughout the campaign, while Joseph Atule won the Goal of the Season Award for his spectacular strike during the Barau FC versus Kano Pillars fixture.

The Highest Goal Scorer Award was jointly won by Rangers International striker Godwin Obaje, Remo Stars forward Victor Mbaoma and Wikki Tourists striker Jonathan Mairiga, who each finished the season with 14 league goals.

Rangers International FC crowned a memorable evening by emerging Club of the Year after an impressive season, while Obinna Uzoha of Kun Khalifat FC received the League Bloggers Special Coach Recognition Award for his contributions to club development.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks in which appreciation was extended to sponsors, award recipients, football administrators, journalists, coaches, club officials and invited guests for supporting another successful edition of the League Bloggers Awards.

Stakeholders also called for sustained investment in football infrastructure, improved player welfare, stronger private sector participation and closer collaboration between government, clubs and the media to accelerate the growth of Nigerian football.

The event ended with networking sessions, group photographs and celebrations as participants reflected on another successful edition of the League Bloggers Awards, widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost platforms for recognising excellence in domestic football.