The stage is set for the 11th edition of the prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards, as the organizers unveiled a star-studded list of nominees at a press conference held on Thursday at Bon Hotel, Ikeja. The awards, renowned for their credibility, transparency, and integrity since their inception in 2013, continue to celebrate the best in Nigerian football.
This year’s edition features 18 categories, including the coveted King of the Pitch, Queen of the Pitch, Team of the Year, and more. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, fresh off a stellar season that saw him lead his club to their first-ever Europa League title, headlines the nominations. The forward is up for two awards: King of the Pitch and Striker of the Year. He will face stiff competition from Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Al-Kholood FC’s William Troost-Ekong in the King of the Pitch category.
The Queen of the Pitch category is equally thrilling, with Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade battling it out with Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala and Paris FC’s Chiamaka Nnadozie for the top honor.
In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United, Maduka Okoye of Udinese, and Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars will go head-to-head. Meanwhile, the Midfielder of the Year award sees Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg), and Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) vying for glory.
Defender of the Year nominees include Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), and William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC), while the Coach of the Year award features Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars), Fidelis Ilechukwu (Enugu Rangers), and Moses Aduku (Edo Queens).
The awards also recognize grassroots development, with Edo, Lagos, and Delta states nominated for the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme. Additionally, stadiums like Remo Stars Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, and Godswill Akpabio Stadium are in contention for Football Pitch of the Year.
The Sam Okwaraji Award, honoring football legends, sees Segun Odegbami, Ahmed Musa, and Kunle Soname as nominees. Corporate sponsors like GTI Financial, MTN Nigeria, and Bet9ja are also in the running for their contributions to Nigerian football.
Speaking at the event, Shina Phillips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, praised sports editors, journalists, and the Nigeria Football Federation for their unwavering support. He reiterated the awards’ commitment to transparency, credibility, and integrity, emphasizing their role in motivating players and stakeholders to strive for excellence.
“From the beginning, our goal was to create an award platform built on transparency, credibility, and integrity,” Phillips said. “We are proud that our College of Voters, comprising Nigeria’s most experienced sports journalists, continues to make independent and patriotic decisions. These awards are not just about recognition; they inspire excellence and celebrate those who make Nigerian football great.”
The 11th Nigeria Pitch Awards promise to be a night of glitz, glamour, and celebration of Nigerian football’s finest. Who will take home the coveted trophies? All eyes are on the big night!
Full Nominees for the 11th Nigeria Pitch Awards:
King of the Pitch:
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray S.K)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC)
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC)
Queen of the Pitch:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid Femenino)
Asisat Oshoala (BAY FC)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)
Goalkeeper of the Year:
Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio)
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United)
Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
Midfielder of the Year:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC)
Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg)
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Defender of the Year:
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest FC)
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC)
Coach of the Year:
Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens FC)
Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International FC)
Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars FC)
State with Best Grassroots Football Development Programme:
Edo
Lagos
Delta
Football Pitch of the Year:
Remo Stars Stadium, Ogun State
Mobolaji Johnson Sport Arena, Lagos State
Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium, Akwa Ibom State
Sam Okwaraji Award:
Segun Odegbami
Ahmed Musa
Kunle Soname
Corporate Sponsor of Football Award:
GTI Financial (Financial Services)
MTN Nigeria (Telecom)
Bet9ja (Sport Betting)
Sportsmanship Award:
George Aluo (Chairman, NNL)
Hon. Kunle Soname (Chairman, Remo Stars)
Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars FC)
Football Journalist of the Year (Print):
Charles Diya (New Telegraph)
Abiodun Adewale (Punch Newspapers)
Johnny Edward (The Nation Newspapers)
Football Journalist of the Year (TV):
Mozez Praiz (Supersport)
Blessing Nwosu (Silverbird TV)
Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV)
Football Journalist of the Year (Radio):
Micheal Obasi (Hot FM Abuja)
Chuma Nnoli (Nigeria Info FM)
Olawale Adigun (Mainland FM)
Anthony Bekederemo (Brila 88.9 FM)
Football Journalist of the Year (Online):
Niyi Busari (BSN Sports Concept)
Samuel Ahmadu (Savid News)
Kunle Solaja (Sports Village Square)
