By Peter Omopo
The organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have expressed confidence that Nigerian football will recover from its recent setbacks on the international stage.
President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr Shina Philips, gave the assurance in Abuja on Monday, saying Nigeria still possesses the talent and quality players required to restore the country’s fortunes.
Philips said the performance of Nigerian players competing in leagues across Europe, America, Africa and other parts of the world remained a source of optimism despite the recent struggles of the national teams.
“We have absolute confidence in our footballers who are doing well in various leagues across Europe, America, Africa, and other parts of the world,” he said.
He said the decision to proceed with the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards reflected the organisers’ continued belief in the future of Nigerian football.
The ceremony, which was initially scheduled for an earlier date, will now hold on September 8, 2026, at the Ibis Hotel on Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
Philips said the awards had, since their establishment in 2013, provided a platform for recognising players, coaches and other stakeholders whose contributions continue to support the development of football in Nigeria.
“Since 2013, when we held our maiden edition in Calabar, we have shown Nigerians that our players deserve commendations and encouragement for their selfless, patriotic contributions to the growth of our football,” he said.
He apologised for the delay in staging the 12th edition, explaining that although the award trophies and other logistics had been completed, some circumstances forced the organisers to postpone the ceremony.
The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards will feature 18 categories, with several leading Nigerian footballers and coaches competing for honours.
Atlético de Madrid forward Ademola Lookman, the 2024 King of the Pitch winner, will compete with Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen for the King of the Pitch award.
Lookman and Osimhen are also nominated alongside Anas Yusuf of Wolaita Dicha FC for the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year.
The Queen of the Pitch category features Brighton & Hove Albion Women forward Chiamaka Nnadozie, AFC Toronto’s Esther Okoronkwo and Paris Saint-Germain Feminine’s Rasheedat Ajibade.
In the Football Friendly Governor of the Year category, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the late Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno are among the nominees.
Other categories include Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Sam Okwaraji Award, State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme and Football Pitch of the Year.
The awards will also recognise corporate sponsors, sportsmanship and journalists covering football across print, television, radio and online platforms.
Kayode Bankole of Gold Geita FC, Maduka Okoye of Udinese Calcio and Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United are nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year, while Benjamin Frederick of Brentford, Calvin Bassey of Fulham and Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest will contest the Defender of the Year category.
For Midfielder of the Year, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi are among the nominees.
Remo Stars, Rivers United and the Super Falcons are competing for Team of the Year, while Daniel Ogunmodede, Finidi George and Justin Madugu are nominated for Coach of the Year.
Philips said the continued staging of the Nigeria Pitch Awards was intended to encourage players and other stakeholders to remain committed to the growth and development of Nigerian football.
The Nigeria Pitch Awards held its maiden ceremony in Calabar in 2013 and has since evolved into an annual platform for celebrating outstanding contributions to the country’s football.
