Africa’s best player, Victor Osimhen, has bagged four nominations for the 10th Nigerian Pitch Awards.
The list of nominees was unveiled at a press conference held in Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday, 29 February, 2024.
CAF footballer of the year, Osimhen, who led Napoli to their first Italian title in 33 years, was named in three categories including Stiker of the year where he will battle Robert Mizo of Nigeria Professional Football League side, Bayelsa United and Bayern Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface.
Osimhen will also go head to head against Boniface in the King of Pitch Awards category which also has Emeka Obioma of Enyimba FC.
The 25 year old was also nominated for the Sportsmanship Award alongside NPFL board chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye and Kunle Shoname, Chairman of Remo Stars FC.
He was also named in the Sam Okwaraji Award for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and patriotism while supporting, sponsoring, playing for, or serving the National Teams.
Osimhen battles Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa and Soname for the award.
The nomination comes less than 24 hours after Osimhen bagged a hat trick in a 6-1 rout of Sassuolo in the Serie A, days after his return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where he helped Nigeria finish as runners-up.
Meanwhile, Oshoala, Africa’s best female footballer, was instrumental as Barcelona won the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice in 2021 and 2023, four league titles, three Spanish Super Cups, and the Copa de la Reina three times.
Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala were named the King and Queen of the Pitch last year
She was nominated in the Queen of the Pitch alongside, Athletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade and Africa’s best goalkeeper, Nnadozie of Paris FC.
Super Falcons were nominated in the Team of the Year category for their exploits at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, against NPFL sides, Enyimba of Aba and Remo Stars of Ibadan.
Other categories are:
Goalkeeper Of The Year
Kayode Bankole Remo Stars
Amas Obasogie Bendel Insurance
Ojo Olorunleke Enyimba FC
Defender Of The Year
Calvin Bassey Fulham FC
Ola Aina Nottingham Forest FC
Bright Osayi-Samuel Fenerbahçe SK
Midfielder Of The Year
Al Hassan Yusuf Royal Antwerp FC
Wilfred Ndidi Leicester City FC
Alex Iwobi Fulham FC
Team Of The Year
Super Falcons
Enyimba
Remo Stars
Coach Of The Year
Daniel Ogunmodede Remo Stars
Finidi George Enyimba FC
Randy Waldrum Super Falcons
