At a simple but impressive ceremony, Nigerian sports editor Kunle Solaja and 80 other journalists across the globe were honoured by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) in conjuction with FIFA in Doha on Tuesday.
With nine FIFA World Cup coverages under his belt, Solaja and South Africa’s Mark Glesson, each with nine appearances at the FIFA World Cup are the only Africans decorated.
The duo were presented with certificate of achievement and replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy. The certificate is jointly signed by the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino and the AIPS President, Gianni Merlo.
The AIPS is the world body of sports journalists.
The presentation of the replica trophies was done by FIFA World Cup legend, Ronaldo of Brazil.
Among those honoured is the 88-year-old Enrique Macaya Márquez, a freelance journalist from Argentina.
His 64-year association with the FIFA World Cup has seen him cover the global event 17 times, surpassing that of Uruguay’s Diego Lucero, who until his death in 1995 was known to be the only man to have attended all FIFA World Cup finals from 1930.
Before his death, he was associated with the FIFA World Cup from 1930 to 1994.
Shortly after the presentations, Solaja was selected for special interview by the FIFA TV.
Credit: Sports Village Square
