Elder Paul Bassey, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Headline Sportsville Awards

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, and the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will take centre stage as the 6th Sportsville Special Recognition Award holds in Lagos.

Elder Paul Bassey is a Nigerian sports journalist and administrator, the 2nd Vice-President of the African Club Association, and a CAF/FIFA match commissioner. He has dedicated decades to sports journalism and administration, earning him the nickname “Paul Sports Bassey.”

Bassey, who has spent just one year in office as Commissioner for Sports, has overseen a strong rise in Akwa Ibom’s performances at national sporting events. He has consistently credited these achievements to the support and vision of the state government led by Pastor Umo Eno.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo will also be honoured with the Best Facilities Award in the government category. The stadium remains the top sporting venue in the country, meeting international standards set by FIFA and CAF, thanks to consistent maintenance by the Akwa Ibom state government.

The facility is the home of the Super Eagles of Nigeria and has also served as a venue for several teams in CAF club competitions.

The ceremony, scheduled to take place at the Lagos Country Club, will also recognise 20 Nigerians across seven categories.

In the Icon category, Kwame Arthur and Chuka Momah will be honoured. Itiako Ikpokpo and Wahid Oshodi will receive the Sports Personalities of the Year award.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, will be decorated with the Sports Transformative Impact Award.

Other recipients include Femi Bankole Alibay and Bambo Akani in the Creative and Innovative category, while Amadin Desmond Enabulele will be recognised for Visionary Leadership.

In the Achievers category, Christian Emeruwa and Felix Akiga will be honoured.

The Special Recognition category will feature Isaac Danladi, Akin Afolarin, Fred Newton Erhunwunse, Toyin Aluko, Fausat Dehinde Yekini, and Toyosi Oyetunji.

The Sportsville Award, now in its sixth edition, continues to celebrate excellence and contributions to sports development in Nigeria.