Osimhen, Bassey, Lookman Lead Nominations For Prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards 2025

The organisers of the annual Nigeria Pitch Awards have revealed the nominees for their 2025 edition, with Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Fulham left-back Calvin Bassey, and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman headlining the shortlist for the coveted ‘King of the Pitch’ (Men) award.

Osimhen is vying for the award for the third consecutive year, and fourth time overall, having previously claimed the title in 2022 and the last two editions. Ademola Lookman is also a strong contender, seeking his second win after securing the award in 2023. Calvin Bassey, on the other hand, is hoping for his inaugural victory following an impressive year for both club and country.

The ‘Queen of the Pitch’ (Women) category sees Super Falcons stars Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Esther Okoronkwo recognised for their outstanding performances over the past year with their national team and respective clubs.

The nominees were unveiled at a stakeholder luncheon held at the Johnwood Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday. The event was attended by prominent football administrators, partners, sports editors, members of the College of Voters, and media representatives.

In other key categories, Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is shortlisted for ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’, where he faces competition from Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali and Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole.

The ‘Midfielder of the Year’ nominees include Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika, while Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, and Ola Aina are in contention for ‘Defender of the Year’. Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Yusuf Anas will compete for ‘Striker of the Year’ honours.

For ‘Coach of the Year’, Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars), Finidi George (Rivers United), and WAFCON 2024 winning coach Justin Madugu are nominated. Remo Stars FC, Rivers United FC, and the Super Falcons are all listed for ‘Team of the Year’.

Additional categories include ‘Football Pitch of the Year’, with Godswill Akpabio Stadium and Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta nominated. BetNaija is recognised in the ‘Corporate Sponsor of Football Award’, and Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State) are shortlisted for ‘Football Friendly Governor’.

The organisers also confirmed the reintroduction of the ‘Rashidi Yekini Award’ for the highest goal scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Looking ahead to the 12th edition, organisers Lenders Consult International announced plans to launch an annual sports conference, which will run concurrently with the awards ceremony. Nigeria Pitch Awards President, Shina Phillips, stated that this initiative aims to broaden the awards’ vision beyond recognition, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and investment within Nigeria’s sports sector.

“We are pleased to announce our annual sports conference,” Phillips remarked. “It has been in the works for a long time and will feature both local and international speakers. The goal is to renew national focus on sports and create opportunities for administrators, investors and policymakers.”