Miss Football Nigeria Pageant, Soccer Ambassador Awards Set to Honour Nigeria’s Football Icons

The Management of Miss Football Nigeria, in collaboration with Mackjus Consultancy Services, is set to stage the 8th edition of the Miss Football Nigeria Beauty Pageant and Nigerian Soccer Ambassador Awards, with prominent personalities who have contributed to the growth and development of football in Nigeria lined up for special recognition.

The colourful event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. prompt in Abuja, and promises an evening of glamour, entertainment and celebration of Nigeria’s football heritage.

Twelve contestants will participate in the Miss Football Nigeria Beauty Pageant, with one of them expected to emerge as the new Miss Football Nigeria, taking on the responsibility of becoming an ambassador for the promotion of girls’ education, female participation in sports and the use of entertainment to further develop Nigerian football.

Speaking ahead of the event, Amb. Lion Moses Ebahor, President of Miss Football Nigeria, said the initiative was established in 2015 with a clear vision of combining sports, entertainment and social development.

He expressed gratitude to God and the organisation’s partners for their support over the years, noting that Miss Football Nigeria has continued to create platforms that promote football and empower young people.

Since its establishment, the organisation has been involved in several sporting initiatives, including the Nigerian Unity Cup Tournament in Bauchi in 2015, the Vice Chancellors Cup at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in 2017, the Ambrose Alli University Pillar of Sports Award in 2019, Niger Delta Beach Soccer, the FCT ALGON Chairman’s Cup in 2023 and the APC National Chairman Cup Tournament in 2024, among others.

A major highlight of this year’s programme will be the presentation of the Nigerian Soccer Ambassador Awards, which will recognise football enthusiasts, administrators, players, promoters, philanthropists, media practitioners and corporate personalities for their contributions to the development of the game.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour and is expected to receive the Nigeria Soccer Man of the Year Award 2026.

Other distinguished award recipients include Enugu State Governor, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, who will receive the Best Football Governor of the Year Award 2026, while Yobe State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, will also be honoured.

Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, is billed to receive the Nigerian Soccer Administrator of the Year Award 2026, while Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Clubs, will be honoured as Nigerian Soccer Grand Supporter of the Year.

Super Eagles and Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen is expected to receive the Nigeria Soccer Player of the Year Award 2026.

Other awardees include Mr. Fred Newton Erhuneunse, Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, as Nigerian Soccer FA Chairman of the Year; Mr. Amobi Ezeaku, General Manager of Enugu Rangers International, as Nigerian Soccer Club Administrator of the Year; Prince Efemena Elutabel as Nigerian Soccer Achiever of the Year; and Prince Abdulraheem Olaoye, Chairman of AMU Motors, as Nigerian Soccer Promoter of the Year.

Amb. Lawrence Emmanuel Oloche, Chairman of Promiseland Real Estate, will be recognised as Nigerian Soccer Personality of the Year, while the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc will receive the Nigerian Soccer Company of the Year Award.

Hon. Kunle Soname, Chairman of Bet9ja/ValueJet, is expected to be honoured as Nigerian Soccer Philanthropist of the Year 2026, while Dr. Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., Chairman of Daar Communications, will receive the Nigerian Soccer Media Station of the Year Award.

Other personalities listed for recognition include Mr. Tolu, sports reporter with ITV Abuja, as Nigerian Soccer Presenter of the Year, and Mr. Dele Omotosho, Chairman of Dele London Design, as Nigerian Soccer Designer of the Year.

A number of other distinguished football stakeholders are also expected to be decorated as National Patrons and Matrons of Miss Football Nigeria.

The organisers said the awards are designed not only to celebrate personalities but also to acknowledge individuals and organisations whose commitment, sacrifice and investment have helped shape Nigerian football.

Beyond the pageantry and entertainment, the organisers believe the event will provide another platform to celebrate the beautiful game, encourage greater female participation in sports and inspire young Nigerians to contribute positively to the development of football.

With football personalities, administrators, supporters, corporate stakeholders and entertainment figures expected at the ceremony, the 8th Miss Football Nigeria Pageant and Nigerian Soccer Ambassador Awards 2026 is set to be a major celebration of football, beauty, entertainment and service to Nigerian sports.

Event Details

Venue: Icon Valley Hotel, No. 56 Anthony Enahoro Street, by Olivefield School, Utako, Abuja

Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m. prompt