The down turn in sporting excellence in the out going year has forced the organisers of the annual Nigeria Sports Awards (NSA) to reduce the categories of awards from 19 to just 11.
The Executive Director, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said yesterday in Lagos that the purpose the event would be defeated if the organisers have to continue with the laid down categories in the wake of in activities in the out going year.
He however explained that special recognition would be accorded past sporting heroes at the 5th Nigeria Sports Award billed for December 2 at the Eko Hotel & Suites on Victoria Island.
According to Idowu, the recognition is auspicious and aims at adding colour to the event.
“The awardees are exclusive to us as organisers and they will be known on the awards night,” Idowu explained, adding that the suspense was intended to arouse interest among stakeholders in the country.
“It is a fact there are many sports heroes who had served Nigeria in various capacities and we are convinced that the six awardees that we have selected will be acceptable to all Nigerians,” he said.
Idowu, however, expressed dismay at the poor turnover of sports accomplishments in the Nigeria in the outgoing year.
“The fact that we will be having only eleven awards categories for the 2016 awards says everything about the downturn. But we are certain that all the awardees would be deserving of their honours,” he further said.
Among the eleven categories include Coach of the Year, Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, Special Sports Person of the Year, Team of the Year and Journalist of the Year (radio, print and television).
