The reigning male African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osihmen, has earned the highest nominations in four categories at the 10th Nigeria Pitch Awards.
This was made known on Thursday by the organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards through its voter collation agent, SIAO Partners at a well-attended Press Conference on Thursday in Lagos.
The Nigeria Pitch Awards extend their recognition beyond the pitch, acknowledging individuals and entities who contribute significantly to the development of the sport. The Sam Okwaraji Award, named after the legendary footballer, recognises individuals who embody the spirit of patriotism and selflessness.
Others on the list include Bayer Leverkusen forward, Victor Boniface and reigning African Women Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala top the list of nominees unveiled by organizers of the nation’s longest running football awards.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, among other teammates and Super Falcons stars, were nominated in different categories.
The unveiling of the nominations was held at the Ibis Hotels Ikeja, Lagos.
The Napoli FC forward got the most nominations, including the ‘Striker of the Year’, ‘King of the Year’, ‘Sam Okwaraji’, and ‘Sportsmanship of the Year’ awards.
Also, Victor Boniface of Bayern Leverkusen of Germany got two nominations, while serial African Women Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala also got a nomination.
While speaking at the 10th anniversary rendezvous, the President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Phillips, pointed out that the event would be a landmark.
“First, I thank God that we have gone this far, and this is the 10th edition. We have reeled out the programmes for this unique celebration.
“We are also glad with the richness of the nominees, which was released by our partners in charge of the collation. We believe that the 10th edition will be a special one.
“All the plans for the 10th anniversary cannot be reeled out at once, so as the time comes, we will be unfolding the events; for now, we want to start with a football summit.
“At the summit, we want to discuss the way forward for Nigeria’s football because we believe that a lot can be injected. We have done our best this far, but we can do a whole lot more,” he said.
Phillips affirmed that the unblemished record of the Nigeria Pitch Awards has made it outstanding as one of the most credible awards in Nigeria and on the continent of Africa.
“If anything is special about celebrating the 10th anniversary, it is because the process that we have put in place is free and fair.
“Those that have gotten the awards are deserving and were given them on merit. We have done our best to see that the winners are adjudged to be the best and that the platform remains incontrovertible.
“We believe that the 10th edition will attract more Nigerians. It is important that we celebrate our heroes, and it is also important that we have a platform that can reward them for their sacrifice.
“I am sure that the award will spur a lot of players, and beyond the players, but across the country,” he said.
Full list:
Goalkeeper of the Year:
Kingdom Osayi, Doma United FC.
Amas Obasoge, Bendel Insurance FC.
Ojo Olorunleke, Enyimba International FC.
Defender of the Year:
Calvin Bassey, Fulham FC England.
Ola Aina, Nottingham Forest, England.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fenerbahçe, Turkey.
Midfielder of the Year:
Yusuf Al-Hassan, Royal Antwerp, Belgium.
Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City, England.
Alex Iwobi, Fulham FC, England.
Striker of the Year:
Robert Mizo, Bayelsa United FC.
Victor Osimhen, Napoli FC, Italy.
Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany.
Sam Okwaraji Award:
Victor Osimhen, Napoli FC, Italy.
Ahmed Musa, Sivasspor, Turkey.
Kunle Soname, Bet9ja.
Queen of the Pitch:
Rasheedat Ajibade, Atlético Madrid, Spain.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, French Division 1 Féminine.
Asisat Oshoala, Barcelona FC, Féminine, Spain.
King of the Pitch:
Victor Osimhen, Napoli FC, Italy.
Emeka Obiora, Shooting Stars SC.
Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany.
Team of the Year:
Super Falcons
Enyimba International FC
Remo Stars FC
Coach of the Year:
Daniel Ogunmodede, Remo Stars FC.
Finidi George, Enyimba International FC.
Randy Waldrum, Super Falcon.
State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme:
Edo State
Delta State
Lagos State
Football Friendly Governor of the Year:
Pastor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos.
Godwin Obaseki,.Edo.
Football Pitch of the Year:
Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan
Remo Stars Stadium
Media category:
Football Journalist of the Year, Print
Christopher Okparah, The Guardian.
Charles Diya, New Telegraph.
Johnny Edward, Punch.
Football Journalist of the Year, TV.
Myen Akiri, TVC
Moses Praiz, Super Sports.
Cecilia Omoregie, Channels TV.
Football Journalist of the Year, Radio.
Olawale Adigun, Mainland FM.
Olayinka Oyedele, Brilla Sport.
Anthony Berekederemo, Brilla FM.
Football Journalist of the Year, Online.
Samuel Amidu, Savid News.
Tobi Adepoju, Oganla Media.
Kunle Solaja, Sportsvillagesquare.
Corporate category:
Corporate Sponsor of Football Award
Bet9ja
MTN
GTI Financial
Sportsmanship Award:
Kunle Soname
Victor Osimhen, Napoli FC, Italy.
Gbenga Elegbeleye, NPFL.
