Olympic Legends, Sports Icons Honoured at Nigeria Olympians Association National Convention

Olympic Legends, Sports Icons Honoured at Nigeria Olympians Association National Convention

...Eguavoen, Siasia, Henry Nwosu, Yusuf Alli among 18 celebrated for excellence and service to Nigerian sports

By Niyi Busari 

 The Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) honoured 18 distinguished individuals on Thursday, July 24, at its 3rd National Convention, recognising both past Olympians and influential stakeholders for their contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

The prestigious event, held at Zeus Paradise Hotel in Mabushi, Abuja, formed part of the association’s three-day national summit themed “The Labours of Our Heroes Past.” The celebration served as a platform to acknowledge outstanding commitment to the Olympic spirit, national service, and athlete welfare.

NOA President and former basketball Olympian Olumide Oyedeji led the proceedings, emphasising the importance of honouring those who paved the way for Nigeria’s sporting progress and excellence.

Among the Olympians recognised were former Super Eagles coach and 1988 Olympian Augustine Eguavoen; ex-international striker Samson Siasia; Olympic sprint medalist Deji Aliu (1996, 2000, 2004); and Henry Nwosu, a veteran of the 1980 and 1988 Games. Other awardees included celebrated long jumper Yusuf Alli (1984, 1988), Armelia Edet (1972), sprinter Samson Oyeledun (1980, 1984), boxer and 1972 medalist Isaac Ikuohria, handball player Mary Mkpolulu (1992), and weightlifter Cosmos Sampson Idioh (1980).

Beyond the athletic circle, the NOA also honoured key figures whose efforts have significantly enhanced athlete welfare and promoted the Olympic movement. Among them were Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR; veteran journalist and publisher of Sports Village Square, Kunle Solaja; and Larry Izamoje, Chairman of BRILA Communications PLC.

The convention, which began on Wednesday, July 23, opened with a fitness session for Olympians and a General Congress. Thursday’s programme featured a visit to African International College, medical checkups, and culminated in the red-carpet dinner and awards gala.

The NOA Summit continues to serve as a vital forum for charting the future of sports in Nigeria, focusing on athlete welfare, legacy building, and fostering a more sustainable sporting ecosystem.