By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
The management of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has reached a resolution with Prudential Sports Limited over the use of it’s league platform in presenting ‘Man of the Match’ awards to Gombe based teams.
The NNL had warned Prudential Sports Limited, a popular Sports promoting firm, against using the NNL league platform in presenting the ‘man of the match’ award for Gombe teams during their home matches at Pantami township stadium.
It said, Prudential Sports failed to follow proper protocols, emphasizing that all commercial rights to NNL matches are exclusively owned by the league organizers, as outlined in the league’s rule framework and international best practices.
It directed Prudential Sports to cease further awards or activities tied to league matches until a formal agreement is reached with the league organizers
However, management of Prudential Sports Limited in collaboration with NNL announced the successful resolution of the impasse on Friday 24/01/2025. The award will now go by the name ‘Jewel of the field award’ and not ‘man of the match’.
It described the impasse as a communication gap that existed between management of the two organisations regarding the awards.
While giving an update on the resolution of the impasse to our Correspondent, Farouk Yarma, CEO of Prudential Sports Limited, said the initiative, which had already witnessed three awards, is aimed at recognizing and celebrating the outstanding performances of players from both Gombe United and Doma United FC during the ongoing 2025/26 NNL season.
In its statement, Prudential Sports Limited, said
“we are proud to introduce the award’s new nomenclature: The “JEWEL OF THE FIELD AWARD,” to elevate the recognition of excellence on the field.
This award, which replaces the former ‘MAN OF THE MATCH’ designation, will be presented at the conclusion of every home match of both Gombe-based teams.
“This change reflects Prudential Sports commitment to celebrating talent, discipline, character, and sportsmanship within Nigerian football.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the Board of the NNL for their professionalism, dedication, and vision in advancing the league to greater heights.
“Together, we are fostering an environment that champions the spirit of healthy competition, serenity in the match venues, and the remarkable achievements of talented athletes”, it stressed.
Winner of the “jewel of the field” goes home with a cash prize of N20,000 as well as other souvenir.
End.
