Nigeria’s football community celebrated another night of individual brilliance, institutional excellence and outstanding contributions to the development of the game as the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards honoured some of the country’s leading footballers, coaches, administrators, journalists, corporate organisations and football stakeholders.
The prestigious awards recognised outstanding performances and contributions across Nigerian football, with Victor Osimhen, Rasheedat Ajibade, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Stanley Nwabali among the headline winners.
Osimhen was one of the biggest winners of the ceremony, claiming both the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year and the coveted King of the Pitch award. His double recognition underlines his continued influence as one of Nigeria’s leading football figures.
The Queen of the Pitch award went to Rasheedat Ajibade, captain of the Super Falcons and a leading figure in Nigerian women’s football.
Other major individual honours went to Stanley Nwabali, who was named Goalkeeper of the Year; Calvin Bassey, who won Defender of the Year; and Alex Iwobi, who was recognised as Midfielder of the Year.
The awards also celebrated team and coaching excellence, with Remo Stars FC named Team of the Year, while Justine Madugu received the Coach of the Year award for his work with the Super Falcons.
The winners reflect the breadth of Nigerian football, from players performing on the international stage to grassroots development, stadium infrastructure, journalism, corporate sponsorship and institutional support.
Lagos State emerged as the winner of the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, highlighting the importance of sustained investment in youth football and talent development.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was named Football Pitch of the Year, while Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Umo Eno, received the Football-Friendly Governor of the Year award.
The recognition further underlines the growing importance of quality football infrastructure and government support in creating an enabling environment for players, clubs and competitions.
Hon. Kunle Soname received the Sam Okwaraji Award, while also being recognised with the Sportsmanship Award. Soname, Chairman of Remo Stars FC, has remained a prominent figure in Nigerian football through his involvement in club development and wider support for the game.
The Nigeria Police Force and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) were also recognised with the Special Achievement in Sports Award for their respective contributions to sports development.
In the corporate category, MTN Nigeria was named Corporate Sponsor of Football, reflecting the growing role of private-sector investment in supporting football and sports development in Nigeria.
The recognition comes as football stakeholders continue to call for stronger partnerships between government, corporate organisations and sporting institutions to create sustainable pathways for talent development and professional football.
The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards also celebrated the important role of sports journalism in documenting, analysing and promoting Nigerian football.
The winners were:
Football Journalist of the Year – Print: Charles Diya, New Telegraph Newspapers
Football Journalist of the Year – TV: Cecilia Omorogbe, Channels TV
Football Journalist of the Year – Radio: Anthony Bekederemo, Brila 88.9 FM
Football Journalist of the Year – Online: Samuel Ahmadu, Savid News/Nigeriafootball.ng
The awards reinforce the importance of credible journalism and responsible storytelling in promoting the growth and professionalism of Nigerian football.
The Nigeria Pitch Awards has established itself as one of the platforms for recognising excellence across the Nigerian football ecosystem. The awards cover players, coaches, clubs, administrators, government, corporate partners, journalists and other stakeholders.
The nomination and voting process for the 12th edition had previously been presented by the organisers as being built around credibility and transparency, with SIAO Partners involved in the collation and auditing process.
The 12th ceremony was originally expected to take place earlier, with the eventual event recognising the relevant award cycle. The organisers have also announced plans to introduce an Emerging Star Award from the next edition, aimed at recognising promising Nigerian football talent under the age of 18 and encouraging grassroots development.
Complete list of the winners;
Goalkeeper of the Year
Stanley Nwabali – Chippa United FC
Defender of the Year
Calvin Bassey – Fulham FC
Midfielder of the Year
Alex Iwobi – Fulham FC
Rashidi Yekini Award – Best Striker
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray SK
Team of the Year
Remo Stars FC
Coach of the Year
Justine Madugu – Super Falcons
Sam Okwaraji Award
Kunle Soname – Bet9ja
Special Achievement in Sports
Nigeria Police Force
Special Achievement in Sports
Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
Best Grassroots Football Development Programme – Lagos State
Football Pitch of the Year
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium – Uyo
Football-Friendly Governor of the Year
Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State
Corporate Sponsor of Football
MTN Nigeria
Sportsmanship Award
Hon. Kunle Soname
Football Journalist of the Year – Print
Charles Diya – New Telegraph
Football Journalist of the Year – TV
Cecilia Omorogbe – Channels TV
Football Journalist of the Year – Radio
Anthony Bekederemo – Brila 88.9 FM
Football Journalist of the Year – Online
Samuel Ahmadu – Savid News/Nigeriafootball.ng
Queen of the Pitch
Rasheedat Ajibade – PSG Féminine
King of the Pitch
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray SK
