Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie headline nominees for 2025 Future Awards Africa Prize for Sports

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Five Nigerian athletes, including two women, have been shortlisted for the 2025 Future Awards Africa Prize for Sports, a prestigious recognition celebrating young achievers shaping the continent’s future.

Super Falcons’ duo Chiamaka Nnadozie and Rasheedat Ajibade headline the nominees’ list after outstanding seasons for club and country.

Both players played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph and continue to inspire a new generation of female footballers.

They are joined by Super Eagles defender Ola Aina, whose consistency and versatility at club and international levels have earned him a place among Africa’s finest young talents.

Two Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stars — Chijioke Mbaoma of Enyimba FC and Sodiq Ismail of Remo Stars — also made the cut, underscoring the rising influence of home-based players on the continental scene.

Organized by The Future Project, the awards celebrate young Africans making significant impact across diverse sectors, from sports to technology, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.

Driven by passion and purpose, this year’s sports nominees embody the strength, skill, and spirit that unite and inspire millions across Africa.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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