Super Eagles and Atalanta BC star Ademola Lookman stole the spotlight at the 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, clinching both the Striker of the Year and the prestigious King of the Pitch titles.
The awards ceremony took place at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, following Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. Among the night’s other standout honorees was Rasheedat Ajibade, the Super Falcons and Atlético de Madrid Femenino forward, who was crowned Queen of the Pitch.
While addressing attendees, Mr. Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, reaffirmed the organizers’ commitment to upholding the integrity and consistency of the awards. He pledged continued support for Nigerian footballers and administrators, urging Nigerians to stand behind the Super Eagles and other national teams.
In the Goalkeeper’s category, Chippa United goal stopper, Stanley Nwabali beat Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole to win the prize. Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong starved off competition from fellow teammates Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest FG and Calvin Bassey of Fulham FC to emerge Defender of the Year for the fourth time.
In the Midfielder of the Year category, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and FC Augsburg’s Frank Onyema could not stop Alex Iwobi of Fulham FG who appears to be in the form of his life. Iwobi has now won it for the third time.
The Sam Okwaraji Award for commitment to Nigeria Football has been one of the high points of previous Awards Ceremonies. Hon. Kunle Soname emerged winner for the second time having outscored Nigerian Ex-international, Segun Odegbami and former Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa.
Telecom giant, MTN retained the Corporate Sponsor of Football award as Rangers International Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu won the Coach of the Year award. Rangers International carted home the Team of the Year award.
In the media category, Samuel Ahmadu of Savid News emerged winner of the Football Journalist of the Year – Online. Other winners are Charles Diya of New Telegraph Newspapers who was named Football Journalist of the Year – Print, Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV won the Football Journalist of the Year – TV and Tony Bekederemo of Brila Sports Radio was voted winner of the Football Journalist of the Year – Radio.