Nigeria Pitch Awards set to host 11th ceremony after FIFA World Cup qualifier on March 25
Organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have announced plans to host the 11th Award Ceremony immediately after the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Warriors of Zimbabwe on March 25, 2025.
The prestigious event will take place at the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement, Mr. Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, highlighted that, in addition to unveiling winners across various award categories, two distinguished Nigerians would be honored with the Special Achievement in Sports Award for their contributions to the development of sports in the country.
Alhaji Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, will be recognized for his significant contributions to the growth of sports in Nigeria. Prior to 2011, he served as a consultant to the sports committee in the Federal House of Representatives, where he helped draft the National Sports Commission bill. He also held the position of second Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation between 2014 and 2022.
Another honoree at the 11th Award Ceremony is AIG Garba Baba Umar (rtd). He served in an ad-hoc capacity as Chairman of the NFF Security Committee during the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa and as Chief Detail of Team Nigeria at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
As Security Adviser to the Nigeria Football Federation, he has played a key role in ensuring security and safety arrangements at stadia nationwide during matches involving the National Teams and Representative Clubs.
The 11th Award Ceremony will also feature the announcement of winners in 18 award categories. Nominees for this edition were unveiled on February 20, 2025, in Lagos.
In the King of the Pitch category, Atalanta FC’s Ademola Lookman, Galatasaray FC’s Victor Osimhen, and Al-Kholood FC defender William Troost-Ekong will compete for the top honor.
In the Queen of the Pitch category, Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala will face off against Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Atlético de Madrid Femenino forward Rasheedat Ajibade.
For the Football Friendly Governor of the Year category, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki will vie for the title.
Ademola Lookman of Atalanta FC, Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, and Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray will compete for the Striker of the Year Award.
The Best Corporate Sponsor of Football Award will see competition among GTI Financial, MTN Nigeria, and Bet9ja Limited.
Other categories to be decided include Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Sam Okwaraji Award, Sportsmanship Award, State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, Football Pitch of the Year, and Football Journalist of the Year Awards.
Mr. Philips expressed gratitude to the President and the entire management team of the Nigeria Football Federation for their support and partnership since the awards began in 2013.
