Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has emerged as the biggest individual winner at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards, clinching both the prestigious Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year and the coveted King of the Pitch honour. The Galatasaray forward was recognised for his outstanding performances, further cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s leading football stars.
At the ceremony held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Ibis Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Osimhen headlined a galaxy of football personalities honoured for their contributions to the game. Fulham duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi won Defender and Midfielder of the Year respectively, while Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali claimed Goalkeeper of the Year. Rasheedat Ajibade of Paris Saint-Germain Féminine was named Queen of the Pitch, while Remo Stars took home Team of the Year.
Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu was named Coach of the Year, while the awards also celebrated contributions beyond the playing field. Kunle Soname received the Sam Okwaraji Award and the Sportsmanship Award, while MTN Nigeria was recognised as Corporate Sponsor of Football. The Nigeria Police Force and Niger Delta Development Commission received Special Achievement in Sports Awards, with Lagos State named State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nigeria Pitch Awards President Dr Shina Philips acknowledged the challenges of sustaining the annual event, while reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to recognising excellence across Nigerian football. He also announced the introduction of an Emerging Star Award from the next edition for promising footballers below 18 years of age, aimed at encouraging competitiveness and talent development at grassroots level.
The ceremony also honoured football journalism, with Charles Diya winning Print Journalist of the Year, Cecilia Omorogbe taking the TV category, Anthony Bekederemo winning in Radio, and Samuel Ahmadu emerging Online Journalist of the Year. Dr Philips reiterated that the awards’ winners are determined by a College of Voters comprising sports editors across the country.
