FirstBank Set for Top Honours at Sports Industry Awards Nigeria

FirstBank Set for Top Honours at Sports Industry Awards Nigeria

FirstBank, one of West Africa’s leading financial institutions and a major driver of financial inclusion, is poised to receive distinguished recognition for its enduring contributions to Nigeria’s rapidly evolving sports industry at the upcoming Sports Industry Awards Nigeria.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, in Lagos.

Organised by MatchRoom Sports & Media Limited in partnership with SPORTBUSINESS & Brands magazine, the Sports Industry Awards Nigeria celebrates excellence and outstanding achievements across various segments of the sports ecosystem.

This year’s edition will spotlight exceptional performances in sports sponsorship, events, marketing campaigns, and strategic partnerships recorded between January and December 2025.

FirstBank’s recognition highlights its longstanding commitment to initiatives that promote human development and leave lasting societal impact. Notably, the bank’s sponsorship of the Georgian Cup at the Kaduna Polo Club, dating back to 1919, stands as one of the longest-running sports sponsorships globally.

Beyond polo, FirstBank has consistently invested in team sports, maintaining football and basketball clubs for decades—an uncommon feat among financial institutions in Nigeria. These efforts underline its dedication to both grassroots and elite sports development.

Through its First@Sports initiative, the bank continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the sports sector. Its sponsorship of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix—Africa’s first electric powerboat racing event—further demonstrates its forward-thinking approach to sports, innovation, and sustainability.

The FirstBank Football Club, known as the “Elephant Boys,” has produced several notable players, including Fatai Amoo, Sam Nwobum, Lookman Oshun, and Wasiu Ipaye, all of whom have represented Nigeria at different levels. The club has competed for over four decades across various tiers of the Nigeria Football Federation leagues, including the historic Division One League.

Similarly, the FirstBank Basketball Club, nicknamed the “Elephant Girls,” boasts more than 30 years of success, including continental championship victories in 2003 and 2009. The team also represented Nigeria at the 2025 Women’s Basketball League Africa.

Speaking on the recognition, Chief Executive Officer of the Sports Industry Awards Nigeria, Ojeikere Aikhoje, commended FirstBank’s lasting impact on the sector.

“FirstBank has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to nation-building through sports development, backed by innovation and sustained investment. Its sponsorship of the Georgian Cup is iconic, and it remains the only financial institution in Nigeria to have continuously supported football and basketball clubs within national leagues for decades,” he said.

In addition to its honorary recognition, FirstBank has also been nominated in two competitive categories: Sports Sponsor of the Year and Sports Event of the Year.

The ceremony will take place at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja GRA, and is expected to bring together key stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate excellence within Nigeria’s sports industry.