In a powerful tribute to Nigerian football history, the Lagos State Football Association (Lagos FA) will honour legendary former player Biliaminu “Billy” Thanni with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The celebration is scheduled to coincide with the President Federation Cup final at the historic Mobolaji Johnson Arena, where Thanni once graced the turf as a star for Stationery Stores FC.
Billy Thanni, widely regarded as the oldest surviving winner of the Federation Cup, played a vital role during Nigeria’s golden era of grassroots football. His skill, leadership, and elegance on the pitch inspired generations, particularly through his years at Stationery Stores one of Nigeria’s most iconic clubs in the 1960s and 1970s.
By selecting Thanni for this accolade, Lagos FA aims to spotlight football heritage and honour those who paved the way. The recognition reflects the state’s renewed commitment to remembering its sporting legends, reconnecting young players with the history that shaped Nigerian football.
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This emotional highlight will take place during the men’s and women’s finals, further enriching a day already set to draw notable political figures, sports officials, and celebrities.
Editorial
We applaud Lagos FA’s decision to honour Biliaminu Thanni. It’s not merely ceremonial it’s essential. In a country where football heritage often fades too quickly, this award resurrects memory, pride, and gratitude for those who built the game from the grassroots.
We believe celebrating legends like Thanni is critical to building a richer football culture. Today’s stars walk paths cleared by yesterday’s pioneers. Honouring them isn’t nostalgia it’s acknowledgment. It teaches young players that glory has roots, and that they belong to a lineage of courage and craft.
We feel this gesture resonates far beyond Lagos. It’s a national signal that football’s golden generation won’t be forgotten. In a world of shifting headlines and fleeting fame, recognising a man who made history on dirt pitches is both rare and right.
We urge other state associations and the NFF to institutionalise such honours—annual awards, documentary projects, school visits. The legends are still with us. Their stories are still ours. We salute Billy Thanni, and commend Lagos FA for making this a moment not just of celebration—but of reconnection. Football’s past and future meet on that pitch. And it’s a reunion long overdue.
Did You Know?
- Billy Thanni played for Stationery Stores FC during the 1960s, helping them win domestic silverware and becoming a fan favourite.
- The Federation Cup was first held in 1945 and has been Nigeria’s longest-running football competition.
- Mobolaji Johnson Arena, where Thanni once starred, was originally known as King George V Stadium.
- Stationery Stores FC, based in Lagos, were once Nigeria’s most supported club, with a loyal fan base known as “Flaming Flamingos”.
- Thanni is believed to be the oldest surviving winner of the Federation Cup his honour sets a record for Nigerian football recognition.
