Nigeria Olympians Honour Siasia, Oyedeji, Eguavoen, 15 Others
By Gabriel Kekong
Abuja (Core Reporters) In a show of solidarity and self encouragement the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) on Thursday, July 24, 2025 rolled out drums in its 3rd National Convention, to celebrate the heroes and heroines of Nigeria sports, and Olympians in particular.
The event which took place at Zeus Paradise Hotel in Abuja saw distinguished Nigerian sports icons once again putting up smiling faces as they were called to the podium for the lifetime awards recognition. This followed the association’s three-day national summit with the theme “The Labours of Our Heroes Past.” However, the celebration served as a platform to acknowledge outstanding commitment to the Olympic spirit, national service, and athlete welfare.
Olumide Oyedeji, the NOA President and a former basketball Olympian who was also honored by the association emphasised the importance of honouring those who paved the way for Nigeria’s sporting progress and excellence. He assured that NOA will continue in this spirit so that the younger sports personalities will know that their labours will surely be rewarded.
Among the Olympians recognised were former Super Eagles and Dream Team’s coach and 1988 Olympian Samson Siasia, Augustine Eguavoen, 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).
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 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.
