Celebrating a legacy: FirstBank to receive major sports industry award

Michael Olumide

FirstBank of Nigeria, West Africa’s premier financial institution and a leading driver of financial inclusion, is set to be honoured at the Sports Industry Awards Nigeria in recognition of its enduring commitment to sports development and longstanding sponsorship legacy across the country.

The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 19, in Lagos.

Organised by MatchRoom Sports & Media Limited in collaboration with SPORTBUSINESS & Brands magazine, the Sports Industry Awards Nigeria celebrates excellence and outstanding achievements across the sports ecosystem.

The awards will highlight top performers in sponsorship, events, marketing campaigns, and partnerships spanning January to December 2025.

FirstBank’s recognition underscores its remarkable legacy in sports sponsorship, notably its support of the Georgian Cup at the Kaduna Polo Club since 1919, which is one of the longest-running sports sponsorships globally. The Bank is also being honoured for the decades-long backing of its football and basketball teams, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots and elite sports development.

Through its innovative First@Sports initiative, FirstBank continues to make significant contributions to the growth of the sports industry in Nigeria.

The FirstBank Football Club, popularly known as the “Elephant Boys,” has nurtured notable talents such as Fatai Amoo, Sam Nwobum, Lookman Oshun, and Wasiu Ipaye, all of whom have represented Nigeria at various levels. The club has competed in multiple tiers of the Nigeria Football Federation leagues for over 40 years, including the historic Division One League alongside teams like Shooting Stars, Rangers International, and Calabar Rovers.

Similarly, the FirstBank Basketball Club, fondly called the “Elephant Girls,” has enjoyed over three decades of success, including continental championship victories in 2003 and 2009. The team also represented Nigeria at the 2025 Women’s African Basketball League.

Commenting on the recognition, CEO of the Sports Industry Awards Nigeria, Ojeikere Aikhoje, praised FirstBank’s enduring impact:

“FirstBank has demonstrated a strong commitment to nation-building through the development of the sports industry. With a rich history spanning over a century, it remains the only financial institution in Nigeria to sustain football and basketball clubs within the national leagues for decades.”

The awards ceremony will be held at the prestigious Lagos Country Club, Ikeja GRA, bringing together key stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in sports.