By Grace Ekujumi
The Organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have announced the nomination list for the 11th edition of the Awards with Super Eagles stars Ademola Lookman,Alex Uwobi and Victor Osimeh nominated in the King of the Pitch awards category.
The official announcement was made at a press conference on Thursday, 20th of February 2025 in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards ,Mr Shina Philips appreciated members of the media including sports editors, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the support since the Awards inception in 2012.
In his words: “I consider it most appropriate to begin my brief remarks by expressing organizers gratitude to the College of Voters comprising sports editors and football analysts across the country. We recognise the invaluable role of the Nigeria media from whom we have enjoyed tremendous support. Right from inception in 2012, sport editors, correspondents, reporters and pundits have demonstrated outstanding faith in the Nigeria Pitch Awards.
“Distinguished journalists, from inception, our intention was to create an award platform that has a unique character of its own; a character moulded by our core values of transparency, credibility and integrity.
“To achieve this, we have followed a carefully laid out award process which brings together a College of Voters comprising some of Nigeria’s most knowledgeable, experienced and professional sport journalists and an independent collation body.
“As organizers, we are very proud of and deeply appreciative of our College of Voters whose decisions year after year have shown them to be true and selfless patriots.
“We have also benefited from the support of the President, Management Team and staff of the Nigeria Football Federation. The Nigeria Pitch Awards has been in partnership with the Federation from its very first edition in Calabar in November 2013.
“I am pleased to state that the collaboration has continued to grow stronger by the years. The presence of the Federation’s Director of Communication is a testament to the Federation’s unflinching support for the Awards and its commitment to the development of the game in the country.
Speaking on the format of the awards, Philips said “the award process has been designed in such a way that it will not only be transparent but also sustainable. This is why the award process transcend organizers’ personal influence while putting the responsibility of deciding winners in the hands of professional journalists with many years of experience, knowledge and expertise in reporting and analysing football.
“We are sure that our College of Voters will always make the best possible decisions in the interest of our football. In the same vein, our independent vote collation body is a vastly experienced and professional player in Nigeria’s accounting and auditing sector.
“SIAO Partners which has over two decades of experience in accounting, prides itself as Nigeria’s largest indigenous professional services firm.
According to him the Awards is designed to celebrate the sports industry specifically; Football and motivate nominees and other stakeholders in the industry.
“Awards are generally organized to recognize industry, commitment, loyalty and excellence. In addition, awards motivate nominees and winners to remain consistent and to inspire them to higher levels of commitment.
“You would agree with me that in spite of the successes our footballers and national teams have achieved in the continental and global football community, they can still go further and create and break more records. To achieve this, we all have a role to play. The Nigeria Pitch Awards, in the last one decade, has continued to demonstrate faith in the ability of Nigerian players and stakeholders.
Philips reiterated the commitment of his organization to the Awards while praising the integrity of the process put in place by SIAO Partners, he said he has utmost confidence in the College of Voters.
“I wish to restate organizers confidence in the award decision of our College of Voters have made this year and in the integrity of the process that SIAO Partners have put in place. Once again, I thank you for your presence here today and wish you a safe trip back to your various destinations.
Nigerian football has made significant mark globally, but there is always room for more achievements. The Nigeria Pitch Awards will continue to support and celebrate those who make our football great,” he added.
Top nominees the 11th Nigeria Pitch Awards are;
● Victor Osimhen
●Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC)
●William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood )
NOMINEES FOR 2024 EDITION
GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
Maduka Okoye Udinese Calcio
Stanley Nwabali Chippa United
Kayode Bankole Remo Stars
DEFENDER OF THE YEAR
Ola Aina Nottingham Forest FC
William Troost-Ekong Al-kholood FC
Calvin Bassey Fulham FC
MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR
Alex Iwobi Fulham FC
Frank Onyeka FC Augsburg
Wilfred Ndidi Leicester City FC
STRIKER OF THE YEAR
Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K
Victor Boniface Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Ademola Lookman Atalanta BC
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Remo Stars FC
Rangers International FC
Edo Queens
COACH OF THE YEAR
Moses Adukwu Edo Queens FC
Fidelis Ilechukwu Rangers International FC
Daniel Ogunmodede Remo Stars FC
SAM OKWARAJI AWARD
Segun Odegbami Nigerian Ex-International
Ahmed Musa Kano Pillars FC
Kunle Soname Bet9ja
STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Edo
Lagos
Delta
FOOTBALL PITCH OF THE YEAR
Remo Stars Stadium Remo, Ogun State
Mobolaji Johnson Sport Arena Onikan, Lagos State
Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR
His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos State
His Excellency, Umo Eno Akwa Ibom State
His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki Former Governor, Edo State
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
QUEEN OF THE PITCH
Rasheedat Ajibade Atlético de Madrid Femenino
Asisat Oshoala Bay FC
Chiamaka Nnadozie Paris FC
KING OF THE PITCH
Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K
Ademola Lookman Atalanta BC
William Troost-Ekong Al-kholood FC
