FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, is set to receive prestigious recognitions for its sustained contribution to Nigeria’s fast evolving sports industry at the forthcoming Sports Industry Awards Nigeria.

The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 19, in Lagos.

Organised by leading Sports Management Agency, MatchRoom Sports & Media Limited in collaboration with SPORTBUSINESS & Brands magazine, the Sports Industry Awards Nigeria celebrates excellence and outstanding achievements across the sports industry.

The awards will highlight top performers in sports sponsorship, events, marketing campaigns, and partnerships spanning January to December 2025.

Interestingly, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been intentional with supporting initiatives that engender human development across the country while cementing legacies.

FirstBank’s recognition underscores its remarkable legacy in sports sponsorship, notably its support of the Georgian Cup at the Kaduna Polo Club since 1919, which is one of the longest-running sports sponsorships globally. The Bank is also being honoured for its decades long backing of its football and basketball teams, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots and elite sports development.

Through its innovative First@Sports initiative, FirstBank continues to make significant contributions to the growth of the sports industry in Nigeria.

For two unforgettable days last year, Lagos became Africa’s capital of clean energy, glamour, and innovation, all powered by FirstBank of Nigeria, the sponsor of the continent’s first-ever E1 Lagos Grand Prix.

The FirstBank Football Club, popularly known as the “Elephant Boys,” has nurtured notable talents such as Fatai Amoo, Sam Nwobum, Lookman Oshun, and Wasiu Ipaye, all of whom have represented Nigeria at various levels. The club has competed in multiple tiers of the Nigeria Football Federation leagues for over 40 years, including the historic Division One League alongside teams like Shooting Stars, Rangers International, and Calabar Rovers.

Similarly, the FirstBank Basketball Club, fondly called the “Elephant Girls,” has enjoyed over three decades of success, including continental championship victories in 2003 and 2009. The team also represented Nigeria at the 2025 Women’s Basketball League Africa.

Commenting on the recognition, CEO of the Sports Industry Awards Nigeria, Ojeikere Aikhoje, praised FirstBank’s enduring impact:

He said: “FirstBank has demonstrated a strong commitment to nation-building through the development of the sports industry and has remained innovative with sustained sponsorship. The bank’s sponsorship of the Georgian Cup is legendary. Moreover, it remains the only financial institution in Nigeria to sponsor football and basketball clubs within the national leagues for decades.”

FirstBank is also nominated in two other categories: Sports Sponsor of the Year and Sports Event of the Year.

The awards ceremony will be held at the prestigious Lagos Country Club, Ikeja GRA, bringing together key stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in sports.