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NLO COO Ogunnowo Named African Football Manager of the Year

Posted : 22 June 2025

Olushola Ogunnowo, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Africa’s largest grassroots domestic league, the Nationwide League One (NLO), has been named the African Football Manager of the Year by Burkina Faso-based African Performance Leadership Award (APLA 2025).

The award ceremony took place at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, where Ogunnowo was recognised for his pragmatic leadership, exceptional administrative acumen, strong work ethic, and transformative policies. According to the APLA 2025 Organizing Committee, these efforts have repositioned grassroots football in Nigeria as a viable and respected business brand.

“It is a great honour for me, and this award is dedicated to Nigeria’s grassroots football — the hundreds of talented players who have experienced career growth through the NLO platform, and the millions of passionate fans who support the brand,” a delighted Ogunnowo said.

He continued:

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, the Chairman of NLO, His Excellency Silas Agara, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi for his encouragement, the staff of the NLO, and APLA 2025 for this distinguished award. However, I believe it is less about me as the COO of NLO and more about the collective spirit of commitment shared by everyone at the NLO.

Being named the Best African Football Manager of the Year (2025) presents a new challenge. It is about football and ensuring that Nigeria’s grassroots football becomes as competitive as the best in the world — providing a pathway to top leagues for our promising youth.”

Other distinguished recipients at the APLA 2025 awards ceremony included:

  • Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

  • Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

  • Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly

  • The event also featured prominent government dignitaries such as His Excellency Dr. Jacob Zuma, former President of South Africa, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The recognition of Ogunnowo’s contributions reaffirms the importance of strong leadership and strategic vision in shaping the future of grassroots football in Nigeria and across the African continent.

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