 honored 18 distinguished individuals on Thursday, July 24, during its 3rd National Convention,){kind=link}
The Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) honored 18 distinguished individuals on Thursday, July 24, during its 3rd National Convention, celebrating the invaluable contributions of past Olympians and prominent stakeholders to sports development in Nigeria.
The prestigious event, held at Zeus Paradise Hotel, Mabushi, Abuja, formed a key part of the association’s three-day national summit themed “The Labours of Our Heroes Past.” It served as a powerful platform to recognise exceptional dedication to the Olympic spirit, national service, and the advancement of athlete welfare.
NOA President and former basketball Olympian Olumide Oyedeji led the proceedings, stressing the importance of honouring trailblazers who laid the foundation for Nigeria’s achievements on the global sports stage.
Among the Olympians celebrated were:
Augustine Eguavoen – Former Super Eagles coach and 1988 Olympian, Samson Siasia – Ex-international striker and Olympic coach, Deji Aliu – Sprint medalist (1996, 2000, 2004), Henry Nwosu – Footballer at the 1980 and 1988 Olympics, Yusuf Alli – Celebrated long jumper (1984, 1988), Armelia Edet – Olympian (1972), Samson Oyeledun – Sprinter (1980, 1984), Isaac Ikuohria – Boxer and 1972 Olympic medalist, Mary Mkpolulu – Handball player (1992), and Cosmos Sampson Idioh – Weightlifter (1980).
In addition to former athletes, the NOA also recognised influential figures outside the sports arena for their unwavering support of the Olympic movement and athlete empowerment. Honourees included:
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR – Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Kunle Solaja – Veteran journalist and publisher of Sports Village Square, and Dr. Larry Izamoje – Chairman, BRILA Communications PLC.
The convention, which began on Wednesday, July 23, featured a fitness session for Olympians and a General Congress. Thursday’s activities included a visit to African International College, free medical checkups, and a glamorous red-carpet dinner and awards gala.
The NOA Summit continues to serve as a vital forum for shaping the future of Nigerian sports, with a strong focus on athlete welfare, legacy building, and fostering a sustainable sports development ecosystem.