🇳🇬🇫🇷 Nigeria–France Sports Awards 2025: A Celebration of African Brilliance, Unity, and Global Impact

By 9jafinds.com | Paris, France – October 21, 2025

Paris  withnessed a night rewarding African excellence at the 3rd Edition of the Nigeria–France Sports Awards, held at La Maison des Arts, Paris.

The prestigious event — fast becoming one of the most influential gatherings in African sports — celebrated the achievements of Nigerian and African athletes, sports administrators, and diaspora trailblazers whose impact transcends borders and inspires a new generation of champions.

A Vision Beyond Borders

Founded by visionary sports promoter Ojora Babatunde, the Nigeria–France Sports Awards were “born out of a deep desire to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Nigerian and African athletes, especially those excelling globally and in the diaspora.”

Babatunde described France as the perfect host for this international celebration:

“France is home to one of the largest African diasporas in Europe and a strong hub for African football talent. It represents a cultural bridge between Africa and Europe — a place where our stars can shine and be seen.”

Now in its third edition, the event has evolved into a symbol of pride, hope, and excellence for Africa — not just honouring athletic talent but recognizing leadership, philanthropy, innovation, and social impact in sports.

Honouring Excellence, Character, and Impact

According to the organizing committee, honourees were carefully selected by a panel of seasoned journalists and administrators based on their performance, leadership, and contributions beyond the field.

“We believe sports should not only produce champions but changemakers,” Babatunde noted. “Athletes who use their platforms for advocacy, community building, and youth empowerment deserve global recognition.”

Among the night’s high points was the recognition of Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, who received a special award for his groundbreaking contributions to youth and community sports in Nigeria.

Hon. Adeboye: The People’s Champion

In an emotional acceptance speech, Adeboye dedicated his award to what he called “the unsung heroes of Nigerian sports” — grassroots coaches, local administrators, and young athletes striving daily to make Nigeria proud.

“This award is not just mine,” he said. “It belongs to every young athlete running on dusty fields, every coach training under the sun, and every sports lover who believes in Nigeria’s potential.”

He praised President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing youth empowerment and grassroots sports, emphasizing that the award reflects the administration’s growing investment in building sustainable sports infrastructure.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are creating systems that discover, develop, and celebrate young talents. This recognition strengthens our resolve to keep pushing for excellence at the grassroots.”

The room erupted in applause as Adeboye closed with a heartfelt message of unity:

“Merci, thank you — and God bless Nigeria, God bless France.”

A Bridge Between Continents

Event Coordinator Ojora Babatunde lauded Adeboye’s unwavering passion, describing him as a “beacon of transformation” and “a symbol of what the Nigeria–France Sports Awards represent — unity, excellence, and empowerment through sport.”

“Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye is redefining how sports can unite communities and change lives,” Babatunde said. “His work is a living testament that the future of African sports begins with the grassroots.”

The evening drew together diplomats, sports icons, and influential members of the Nigerian diaspora, highlighting not just Nigeria’s sporting prowess but also the cultural and diplomatic strength of its people abroad.

Bringing It Home: The Future of the Awards

Looking ahead, Babatunde revealed ambitious plans to host a Nigerian edition of the event in 2026, expanding its reach and impact across the continent.

“The success of the Paris edition has reaffirmed our belief in this vision,” he said. “Hosting it in Nigeria will allow fans, athletes, and communities to be part of the experience — bringing the celebration home.”

With each edition, the Nigeria–France Sports Awards continues to position itself as one of the most respected platforms honouring African sporting excellence — amplifying voices that often go unheard and reminding the world that sports is more than competition; it is a bridge of hope, identity, and empowerment.

Inspiring a Generation

As the Paris skyline shimmered under the lights, one message echoed through the hall — Africa is rising, and its athletes are leading the way.

From Lagos to Lyon, Abuja to Marseille, the stories celebrated at the Nigeria–France Sports Awards prove that when Africa competes, the world watches — and when Africa unites, the world listens.

“By spotlighting perseverance, talent, and community contribution,” Babatunde concluded, “we hope to inspire the next generation to believe that their dreams — no matter how distant — are valid.”

About the Nigeria–France Sports Awards

The Nigeria–France Sports Awards was established to honour Nigerian and African athletes excelling globally, with special emphasis on leadership, character, and social impact.

Now in its third year, the event continues to strengthen cultural and sporting ties between Africa and Europe, serving as a global stage for African excellence in sports.