Super Eagles and Atalanta BC forward, Ademola Lookman, clinched the prestigious Striker of the Year and King of the Pitch awards at the 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.
The award ceremony was held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, celebrating the best in Nigerian football.
Super Falcons and Atlético de Madrid Femenino forward, Rasheedat Ajibade, was honored with the Queen of the Pitch title, cementing her legacy as one of Nigeria’s standout female footballers.
In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United edged out Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole to claim the title. Meanwhile, Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, won Defender of the Year for the fourth time, beating fellow national team players Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) and Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC).
The Midfielder of the Year award went to Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, who is enjoying a stellar form. Iwobi outshone Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and FC Augsburg’s Frank Onyema to secure the accolade for the third time.
Hon. Kunle Soname won the Sam Okwaraji Award for his unwavering commitment to Nigerian football, prevailing over contenders including ex-Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami.
Telecom giant MTN retained its title as Corporate Sponsor of Football, while Rangers International FC and their coach Fidelis Ilechukwu were awarded Team of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively.
The media category also celebrated notable contributions to Nigerian football. Samuel Ahmadu of Savid News was named Football Journalist of the Year – Online. In other media categories, Charles Diya of New Telegraph won for print journalism, Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV for television reporting, and Tony Bekederemo of Brila Sports Radio for radio broadcasting.
Sustaining the Awards’ Legacy
In his welcome address, Mr. Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, reiterated the commitment of the organizers to uphold the credibility and values of the awards.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in sustaining the initiative but assured attendees of their dedication to celebrating Nigerian footballers and administrators.
“We remain steadfast in our belief in Nigerian footballers and will continue to host this annual event despite any challenges. We urge Nigerians to show unwavering support for the Super Eagles and all our national teams,” Philips said.
The Nigeria Pitch Awards continues to stand as a platform for celebrating excellence in Nigerian football, offering recognition to athletes, coaches, and contributors across the football ecosystem.
Full List of winners
Goalkeeper of the Year
Stanley Nwabali – Chippa United
Defender of the Year
William Troost-Ekong – Al-kholood FC
Midfielder of the Year
Alex Iwobi – Fulham FC
Striker of the Year
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta
Team of the Year
Rangers International FC
Coach Of the Year
Fidelis Ilechukwu – Rangers Intl FC
Sam Okwaraji Award
Hon. Kunle Soname – Bet9ja
State With the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme
Lagos State
Football Pitch of the Year
Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium
Football Friendly Governor of the Year
His Excellency, Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State
Corporate Sponsor of Football Award
MTN Nigeria
Sportsmanship Award
Hon. Kunle Soname – Chairman, Remo Stars
Football Journalist of the Year – Print
Charles Diya – New Telegraph Newspapers
Football Journalist of the Year – TV
Cecilia Omorogbe – Channels TV
Football Journalist of the Year – Radio
Anthony Bekederemo – Brila 88.9 FM
Football Journalist of the Year – Online
Samuel Ahmadu – Savid News
Queen of the Pitch
Rasheedat Ajibade – Atlético de Madrid Femenino
King Of the Pitch
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta BC
