Nigeria’s most interesting soccer abilities will take centre stage on December 22, 2025, as organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards formally unveiled nominees for the twelfth version of the celebrated ceremony.
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High Tremendous Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Tremendous Falcons icon Asisat Oshoala lead a star-studded nominations record that cuts throughout gamers, coaches, groups, directors and journalists, reflecting one other yr of excellent performances in Nigerian soccer.
Within the marquee King of the Pitch (Males) class, Osimhen, now with Galatasaray S.Okay., will battle Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey for the coveted honour.
The Queen of the Pitch (Ladies) class options goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie alongside Tremendous Falcons attackers Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, underlining the rising depth and high quality in Nigeria’s ladies’s sport.
A number of aggressive classes additionally spotlight sturdy performances throughout positions. Goalkeeper of the Yr nominees embrace Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali and Kayode Bankole, whereas Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika are shortlisted for Midfielder of the Yr.
The Defender of the Yr race options Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, with Osimhen, Lookman and Yusuf Anas vying for Striker of the Yr honours.
Teaching excellence is recognised with Daniel Ogunmodede, Finidi George and Justin Madugu nominated for Coach of the Yr, whereas Remo Stars FC, Rivers United FC and the Tremendous Falcons will contest the Staff of the Yr award.
The awards additionally acknowledge contributions past the pitch. Soccer Journalist of the Yr (On-line) nominees embrace Niyi Busari of BSN Sports activities, Samuel Ahmadu and Kunle Solaja of Sports activities Village Sq.. I
n infrastructure and governance classes, Godswill Akpabio Stadium and Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, are nominated for Soccer Pitch of the Yr, whereas BetNaija options within the Company Sponsor of Soccer class.
The Soccer Pleasant Governor award shall be contested by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
Organisers additional confirmed the reinstatement of the Rashidi Yekini Award, which can honour the best objective scorer within the Nigeria Premier Soccer League, reviving one of many ceremony’s most symbolic recognitions.
Talking at a stakeholders’ luncheon in Abuja, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Phillips, introduced plans to develop the occasion with the introduction of an annual sports activities convention, to be held alongside the awards ceremony.
The luncheon, hosted at Johnwood Lodge, Abuja, was attended by soccer directors, companions, members of the School of Voters, sports activities editors and media representatives.
Phillips stated the convention would deepen the influence of the awards by making a platform for dialogue, collaboration and funding inside Nigeria’s sports activities ecosystem, that includes each native and worldwide audio system.
Award winners shall be chosen by a School of Voters made up of over 100 sports activities editors and journalists from throughout Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the voting course of independently audited by SIAO Companions. Every voter is allowed two nominations per class, with votes weighted on a factors system over a six-week voting window.
Reaffirming confidence within the course of, Phillips described the Nigeria Pitch Awards as a venture constructed on “braveness, consistency and collaboration,” because the ceremony as soon as once more positions itself as a benchmark for integrity and excellence in Nigerian soccer.
