Nigerian Excellence
Shines Inaugural NUKSAwards in
London
London, 15 September 2025 – The inaugural Nigerian UK Sports Awards (NUKSAwards) illuminated the city of London in a historic night that celebrated the brilliance of Nigerian excellence across sport, culture, philanthropy, and community development.
Nigerian
Shines at Inaugural NUKSAwards in London
- Nigerian
- Excellence
- Shines
- Inaugural
- NUKSAwards
- in London
- Nigerian
- Excellence
- Shines
- Inaugural
- NUKSAwards
- in London
- Nigerian
- Excellence
- Shines
- Inaugural
- NUKSAwards
- in London
- Nigerian
- Excellence
- Shines
- Inaugural
- NUKSAwards
- in London
The awards rcogniseed over 130 honourees
At London’s Home House, Mayowa Quadri and Sirayah Shira hosted football legends.
20 Nigerian sports legends, including Okocha and Mikel, were inducted.
Icons and leaders from Nigeria and the UK marked a milestone for community.
Odemwingie, Akinfenwa, Aluko joined the NUKSA Hall of Fame. celebrating sport.
Celebrating the Best in Sport The awards recognised over 130 honourees across 30 categories, with standout winners such as:
- Best Male Striker: Cyriel Dessers
- Best Male Midfielder: Alex Iwobi
- Best Male Defender: Calvin Bassey
- Best Male Forward Player: Jamal
- Best Male Goalkeeper: Owen Goodman
- Female Athlete of the Year: Elizabeth Oshoba
- Best Female Midfielder: Ashanti Akpan
- Best Male Goalkeeper: Owen Goodman
- Female Athlete of the Year: Elizabeth Oshoba
- Best Female Midfielder: Ashanti Akpan
- Rising Star of the Year (Male): Nicholas Oyekunle
- Promising Young Athlete (U18): Charles Agbawodikeizu
- Breakout Star of the Year: Michael Olise
- Male MVP: Bukayo Saka
NUKSA REDIFINING NIGERIA DIASPORA SPORT AWARDS
A Night of Culture, Unity, and Recognition
Hosted at the prestigious Home House, London, and compered by Mayowa Quadri and Sirayah Shira, the event gathered football legends, sporting icons, community leaders, and dignitaries from Nigeria and the UK, marking a proud milestone for the global Nigerian community.
Learn more →
Honouring Icons and Legends
A defining highlight of the evening was the induction of 20 Nigerian sporting greats into the NUKSA Legendary Hall of Fame, including Jay-Jay Okocha, Mikel Obi, Joseph Yobo, Leon Balogun, Daniel Amokachi, John Utaka, Osaze Odemwingie, Adebayo Akinfenwa, Eniola Aluko, and more. Their contributions continue to inspire generations and embody the enduring spirit of Nigerian sporting excellence.
Learn more →
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Beyond the pitch, the NUKSAwards spotlighted the power of sport in changing lives. Ten foundations were recognised for their extraordinary work, including: • Project 17 (Alex Iwobi) • The Pearl Fund (Maro Itoje)• Bukayo Saka & Big Shoe • Troost-Ekong Foundation These initiatives showcased the far-reaching influence of Nigerian athletes and their commitment to giving back
Learn more →
A Legacy of
Excellence
This was a night of history, legacy, and pride. NUKSAwards has set a powerful foundation for celebrating Nigerian excellence worldwide while ensuring the next generation of athletes have the resources and inspiration to succeed,” said event spokesperson David Doherty.
Proceeds from the evening will go directly to grassroots sports initiatives and youth mentorship programs, ensuring that the legacy of the NUKSAwards extends far beyond the ceremony itself.
Learn more →
Our Sponsors & Supporters
We sincerely thank our sponsors and supporters for making the Nuksa Awards 2025 possible. Your commitment to celebrating Nigerian excellence in the diaspora made this historic night a success. Special thanks to: Bayelsa State Government Governor Douye Dirl• Limitless• Afripay • The Rehab Borough • Brila FM • Afrique Media • Ammas Fare Your support helped us honour Nigerian athletes and their impact on and off the field.
Learn more →
NUKSA REDIFINING NIGERIA DIASPORA SPORT AWARDS
A Night of Culture, Unity, & Recognition
Hosted at the prestigious Home House, London, and compered by Mayowa Quadri and Sirayah Shira, the event gathered football legends, sporting icons, community leaders, and dignitaries from Nigeria and the UK, marking a proud milestone for the global Nigerian community.
Learn more →
Honouring Icons and Legends
A defining highlight of the evening was the induction of 20 Nigerian sporting greats into the NUKSA Legendary Hall of Fame, including Jay-Jay Okocha, Mikel Obi, Joseph Yobo, Leon Balogun, Daniel Amokachi, John Utaka, Osaze Odemwingie, Adebayo Akinfenwa, Eniola Aluko, and more. Their contributions continue to inspire generations and embody the enduring spirit of Nigerian sporting excellence.
Learn more →
Philanthropy & Community Impact
Beyond the pitch, the NUKSAwards spotlighted the power of sport in changing lives. Ten foundations were recognised for their extraordinary work, including:
• Project 17 (Alex Iwobi)
• The Pearl Fund (Maro Itoje)
• Bukayo Saka & Big Shoe
• Troost-Ekong Foundation These initiatives showcased the far-reaching influence of Nigerian athletes and their commitment to giving back
Learn more →
A Legacy of Excellence
This was a night of history, legacy, and pride. NUKSAwards has set a powerful foundation for celebrating Nigerian excellence worldwide while ensuring the next generation of athletes have the resources and inspiration to succeed,” said event spokesperson David Doherty.
Proceeds from the evening will go directly to grassroots sports initiatives and youth mentorship programs, ensuring that the legacy of the NUKSAwards extends far beyond the ceremony itself.
Learn more →
For Social Impact & Community Development
Sen. Binta Masi Garba, Garth Crooks OBE, Maheta Molango, Sunday Are, Hon. Kelechi
Nworgu, Lawrence Okolie, Adebayo Adekunle (PhatBayo), Adesegun Adeosun Jr. (King
SMADE), Abayomi Tijani (DJ Abass), Robbie Lyle, Adesope Olajide,
Learn more →
Awards
The awards rcogniseed over 130 honourees
The awards rcogniseed over 130 honourees
01 NUKSA ICON / VVIP Recognition
Gov. Douye Diri, Shehu Dikko, Hon. Justice Patience Ama Zuofa Duoye-Diri, Dr. Halima Suleiman Zakari, Amb. Mohammed Maina Maidugu, Barr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Sen. Barau I. Jibrin
02 Philanthropy & Humanitarian Awards
The Eze Foundation, Troost-Ekong Foundation, Project 17 by Alex Iwobi, Bukayo Saka with BigShoe, The Pearl Fund (Maro Itoje), Alli Foundation, BadGuyToba Foundation, EthanRose Foundation, Lolo Foundation, Kiddwaya Foundation Humanitarian Contribution in Sports Odion Ighalo & Wilfred Ndidi
03 Legendary Awards
Abbey George, Adebayo Akinfenwa, Austin Okocha, Efetobore Sodje, John Utaka, Joseph Yobo, Kanu Nwankwo, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, Seyi Olofinjana, Sani Kaita, Daniel Amokachi, Leon Balogun
04 Sports Media Personality of the Year
Juliana Olayinka (Channels TV) Damian Johnson (BBC Sport) Gillian Joseph (Sky News) Mayowa Quadri (VERSUS) Peter Okwoche (BBC Africa) Austin Okon Akpan Oluwashina Okeleji (BBC Africa) Rebecca James (Limitless) Sirayah Shiraz (Dazn)
05 Best CSR Initiative in Sports
Tasty African Foods Angels Bakery The Rehab Borough Afripay Ammas Fare
06 NUKSA Special Recognition Awards
For Social Impact & Community Development Sen. Binta Masi Garba, Garth Crooks OBE, Maheta Molango, Sunday Are, Hon. Kelechi Nworgu, Lawrence Okolie, Adebayo Adekunle (PhatBayo), Adesegun Adeosun Jr. (King SMADE), Abayomi Tijani (DJ Abass), Robbie Lyle, Adesope Olajide, Deji Davies, Dr. Kayode Alade, Odumodublvck, Amb. Maureen Tamuno, Stephen Komla (HIAGBE Construction), Brandon Tshabangu
07 For Socio-Cultural Impact
Don Jazzy (Michael Collins), Olalekan Olaleye (Agba Inaki), Ugochukwu Ikebata, Alibaba (Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome) Dr Drew Uyi
08 For Grassroots Sport Development Impact
Hon. (Dr) Kwande Suleiman Yahaya, Adeboye Adeyinka, Gafar Liameed, Mohammed Moukhtar, Chikelue Iloenyosi, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau
09 Other Special Recognitions
Azeez Ladipo – Outstanding Rugby Ambassador Dr. Ademola Are – Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Development Adebayo Karim – Special Recognition for Sport & Youth Inspiration Tunde Karim – Special Recognition for Lifetime Sport & Legacy Impact Elder Robert Daniel Onyeani – Lifetime Impact in Youth Development & Community Upliftment Chiamaka Nnadozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Toni Payne, Rinsola Babajide – International Women’s Football Excellence Award Hon. Olusegun Ojo – Champion of Sports & Philanthropy Brila FM – Sports Broadcast Excellence Award
10 Media Contacts:
For more information or press queries please contact
Rebecca James – rebecca@limitless-sc.uk
Hannah Doogan – Hannah@limitless-sc.uk
ALL CONTACTS
- North London, United Kingdom
- Office +447710552492
- info@nuksa.co.uk
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