Follow Us on Google
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, sports entrepreneur and Remo Stars FC Chairman Hon. Kunle Soname, and Akwa Ibom State emerged as the biggest winners at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards held in Lagos, with each securing two prestigious honours on a memorable night celebrating excellence in Nigerian football.
The awards ceremony was attended by a number of prominent figures in Nigerian football and public life, including Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu, who was represented by the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, CP Tijani Fatai; Acting Deputy General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Ademola Olajire; and a representative of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Also in attendance were the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr. Shina Phillips, as well as several media personalities and other stakeholders in Nigerian football.
Osimhen once again underlined his dominance on the domestic football awards scene, retaining the coveted King of the Pitch Award. The Galatasaray forward completed a double by also winning the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year.
Soname also enjoyed a memorable night, claiming the Sam Okwaraji Award for his outstanding contributions to football management and philanthropy. The Bet9ja founder and Remo Stars chairman added the Sportsmanship Award to his haul, becoming one of the evening’s double winners.
Akwa Ibom State completed the trio of double-award winners. The state’s growing reputation for supporting football development was recognised with Governor Umo Eno receiving the Football Friendly Governor of the Year award, while the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo was named Football Pitch of the Year.
In the women’s category, Paris Saint-Germain Féminine star Rasheedat Ajibade was crowned Queen of the Pitch. Other major individual winners included Stanley Nwabali, who won Goalkeeper of the Year; Calvin Bassey, who claimed Defender of the Year; and Alex Iwobi, who was named Midfielder of the Year.
Other News
Super Falcons manager Justine Madugu received the Coach of the Year award, while Remo Stars FC were honoured as Team of the Year.
The ceremony also celebrated excellence in corporate support, football administration, grassroots development and sports journalism.
Lagos State won the award for State with the Best Grassroots Development Programme, while MTN Nigeria was recognised as Corporate Sponsor of Football.
In the media categories, Charles Diya of New Telegraph won Print Journalist of the Year, while Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV emerged Television Journalist of the Year.
Anthony Bekederemo of Brila 88.9 FM won the Radio Journalist of the Year award, while Samuel Ahmadu of Savid News was named Online Journalist of the Year.
The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards once again brought together some of the country’s biggest football personalities, administrators, corporate stakeholders and media practitioners, highlighting the individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the growth and development of Nigerian football.
