Nigerian Sports photojournalist Kennedy Ugbodaga has been ranked sixth in Africa in the Sport Photography (Action) category at the AIPS Sport Media Awards 2026.
The awards ceremony, held in France, saw the release of continental rankings following the longlist stage, in which Ugbodaga’s image was featured.
He earned the continental recognition for his photograph titled “South Africa Celebrates,” which captured a moment of emotion and triumph for South Africans in sport.
The image was published on Platinum News in May 2025 after South Africa won the U-20 CAF Africa Cup of Nations
The AIPS Sport Media Awards is regarded as one of the most prestigious honours in global sports journalism, attracting entries from across the world.
Ugbodaga, an Executive board member of the Edo state Football Association, is a well-travelled sports photojournalist who has covered a range of sporting events across Africa, with a strong focus on youth football.
