The global Nigerian community will witness a landmark moment in sports and cultural recognition as the inaugural Nigerian UK Sports Awards (NUKSAwards) takes center stage on Monday, 15th September 2025 in aid grassroots sports.
Hosted by renowned media personalities Mayowa Quadri (VERSUS) and Sirayah Shiraz, the event will celebrate over 130 distinguished individuals and organizations across 36 award categories, recognising outstanding contributions in sports, philanthropy, legacy-building, community development, media, and more. All whilst raising funds to support the future generation of Nigerian athletes, with proceeds from the evening going towards grassroots sports initiatives and mentorship for young athletes.
Several prominent Nigerian football stars, including Victor Osimhen, Leon Balogun, and many others, have expressed enthusiastic support and confirmed their attendance at the prestigious award night.
The ceremony will welcome football legend and nominee Nwankwo Kanu, attending in person to receive a NUKSA Legendary Award.
The public is invited to vote for nominees in all Open Categories, including high-profile contests such as Best Male Striker, Midfielder, Goalkeeper, Female Athlete of the Year, Rising Star, and MVP Awards. Fans can cast their votes via the official website at www.nuksawards.org/vote, giving supporters around the world a direct voice in recognising their sporting heroes.
Bringing together current stars, sporting legends, prominent UK-based Nigerian personalities, and distinguished dignitaries, the NUKSAwards marks a historic moment in spotlighting Nigerian excellence in sports and community development. The prestigious event will be graced by state governors, high-level diplomats, and government officials from Nigeria and the UK.
“We’re really excited for this event, it’s more than just an award ceremony, it’s a monumental tribute to generations of Nigerians excelling in sport, giving back to communities, and inspiring global impact and the next generation” said event’s spokesperson, David Doherty.
The NUKSAwards recognizes a broad spectrum of contributions, from elite athletes and grassroots heroes to media icons and humanitarian changemakers. With open, closed, and special recognition categories, the event underscores a commitment to celebrating both competitive success and enduring influence.
Individuals can vote for their favourite athletes on the open awards here: https://nuksa.co.uk/
Key Highlights Include:
Open Categories (14): Recognizing on-field brilliance in football and athletics, including:
Best Male Striker: Cyriel Dessers, Tammy Abraham, Taiwo Awoniyi
Best Male Midfielder: Eberechi Eze, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi
Best Female Athlete of the Year: Elizabeth Oshoba, Ashleigh Plumptre, Rinsola Babajide
Breakout Stars: Ethan Nwaneri, Michael Olise
Most Promising Young Athletes: Nicholas Oyekunle, Chido Obi-Martin
Closed Categories: Celebrating exceptional figures such as:
Victor Osimhen (The Naija Spirit Award)
Anthony Joshua (Amazing UK Boxer of Nigerian Descent)
Bukayo Saka (NUKSA Male MVP)
Asisat Oshoala (Female MVP)
Southampton FC (Best Community Sports Development Program)
Philanthropy & Humanitarian Awards: Honoring 10 foundations including:
Project 17 (Alex Iwobi)
The Pearl Fund (Maro Itoje)
Bukayo Saka & BigShoe Initiative
Troost-Ekong Foundation
Kiddwaya Foundation
Legendary Hall of Fame (20 Inductees): Paying homage to iconic figures such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Eniola Aluko, Joseph Yobo, Mikel Obi, and Daniel Amokachi.
Media & CSR Excellence: Celebrating 11 prominent Nigerian voices in UK media, including Juliana Olayinka (Channels TV), Damian Johnson (BBC Sport), and Anita Nneka Jones (Sky Sports), as well as brands like Tasty African Foods and Afripay for outstanding CSR.
Special Recognition: Awarding over 60 individuals across:
Social Impact & Community Development
Socio-Cultural Influence – including Davido, Don Jazzy, Funke Akindele
Grassroots Sports Development – including Gafar Liameed, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya
Lifetime Honours:
Dr. Ademola Are – Lifetime Achievement in Sports Development
Tunde Karim – Legacy in Sports & Community Development
Adebayo Karim – Youth Inspiration & Legacy Impact
Honouring Icons & VVIPs
The NUKSAwards ICON/VVIP Category will honour 10 prominent leaders, including:
Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa State)
Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
HE Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN
Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State)
Amb. Mohammed Maina Maidugu (Nigeria High Commission, UK)
Shehu Dikko (Chairman, National Sports Commission)
Their recognition affirms the critical intersection of governance, philanthropy, and sports development.
