Lookman, Osimhen, Boniface In Race For King Of The Pitch As Nigeria Pitch Awards Holds March 25

The excitement in Nigerian football is palpable as the 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards is set to take place on March 25, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, after the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between the Super Eagles and the Warriors of Zimbabwe.

This year, the prestigious King of the Pitch award is a hotly contested title, featuring three standout nominees: Ademola Lookman from Atalanta FC, Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray FC, and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen. The competition promises to be fierce as these talented players have made significant impacts in their clubs and are eager to showcase their skills on this grand stage.

In addition to the individual accolades, the awards will also recognize excellence in corporate sponsorship, with GTI Financial, MTN Nigeria, and Bet9ja Limited vying for the Best Corporate Sponsor of Football Award.

The ceremony will also honor two distinguished Nigerians with the Special Achievement in Sports Award. Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, will be recognized for his pivotal role in sports development, including his contributions to the National Sports Commission bill. Additionally, AIG Garba Baba Umar (rtd) will be acknowledged for his invaluable service in ensuring security and safety at major sporting events in Nigeria.

Mr. Shina Philips, the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event and appreciation for the support from the Nigeria Football Federation since the awards’ inception in 2013. He emphasized the importance of recognizing outstanding contributions to football within the nation.

The ceremony will also feature a variety of awards across 18 categories, including the Queen of the Pitch, where Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Rasheedat Ajibade will compete for the title.

The Football Friendly Governor of the Year category includes Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Other awards to be presented include Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, as well as special categories such as the Sam Okwaraji Award and Sportsmanship Award.