Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey headline the list of nominees for the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, alongside Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
The nominations were unveiled on Tuesday, December 16, at a media gathering held at the Johnwood Hotel, Abuja, where organisers hosted award partners, members of the College of Voters, and members of the press.
Osimhen, who plies his trade with Galatasaray S.K., Atalanta BC winger Ademola Lookman, and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey are set to battle for the prestigious King of the Pitch award. Lookman is the reigning holder of the title.
Speaking at the event, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr Shina Philips, reiterated the organisers’ confidence in the credibility of the voting process, which has been overseen by accounting firm SIAO Partners since 2014.
“We thank SIAO Partners and express our full confidence in the results that will be presented. For over 11 years, they have consistently demonstrated professionalism and commitment to this national project,” Dr Philips said.
Senior Manager at SIAO Partners, Mr Afolabi Lawal, assured stakeholders that the firm strictly adhered to due process in the collation and auditing of votes.
Also addressing the gathering, Dr Ademola Olajire, Director of Media and Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said the Federation continues to support the Nigeria Pitch Awards because of its transparent and credible process.
Key Categories and Contenders
In the Queen of the Pitch category, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion Women), forward Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto), and PSG Feminine winger Rasheedat Ajibade will contest the honour.
The Defender of the Year award features Super Eagles breakout star Benjamin Frederick (F.C.V. Dender E.H.), alongside Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC) and Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest).
Midfield excellence will be rewarded in a keenly contested Midfielder of the Year category featuring Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), and Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş).
Lookman and Osimhen also earned second nominations in the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker, where they will compete with Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United.
Governors, Corporate Bodies, and Special Recognition
The Football Friendly Governor of the Year award will be contested by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Dr Philips also announced that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will receive the Special Achievement in Sports Award, in recognition of its significant contributions to grassroots sports development through the Niger Delta Games.
