Nigeria Pitch Award Unveils Star-studded Nominees For 2025

Nigeria Pitch Award Unveils Star-studded Nominees For 2025

By Niyi Busari 

Organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have unveiled the nominees for the 12th edition of the prestigious ceremony, with leading Nigerian football stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Asisat Oshoala headlining the list across major categories.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on December 22, 2025, celebrating outstanding achievements by Nigerian footballers, coaches, administrators and journalists over the past year.

In the flagship King of the Pitch (Men) category, nominees include Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray S.K.), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC) and Calvin Bassey. The Queen of the Pitch (Women) category features Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, recognising excellence in women’s football.

Other major nominations include Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali and Kayode Bankole for Goalkeeper of the Year, while Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika are shortlisted for Midfielder of the Year. Defender of the Year contenders include Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, with Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Yusuf Anas competing for Striker of the Year honours. Football Journalist of The Year (online) - Niyi Busari of BSN Sports, Samuel Ahmadu and Kunle Solaja of Sports Village Square.

For Coach of the Year, the nominees are Daniel Ogunmodede, Finidi George and Justin Madugu, while Remo Stars FC, Rivers United FC and the Super Falcons are listed for Team of the Year.

Additional award categories include Football Pitch of the Year, with nominees Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta; Corporate Sponsor of Football Award, with BetNaija nominated; and Football Friendly Governor, recognising Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State).

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

Ahead of the 12th edition, organisers Lenders Consult International announced plans to introduce an annual sports conference, to be held alongside the awards ceremony.

The announcement was made by Shina Phillips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, during a stakeholders’ luncheon at Johnwood Hotel, Abuja, attended by football administrators, partners, sports editors, members of the College of Voters and media representatives.

Phillips said the initiative is aimed at expanding the vision of the Nigeria Pitch Awards beyond recognition, providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration and investment in Nigeria’s sports sector.

“We are pleased to announce our annual sports conference,” Phillips said. “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.”

Award winners will be determined by a College of Voters comprising over 100 sports editors and journalists from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Voting is independently audited by SIAO Partners.

Each voter is permitted to nominate two candidates per category, with the first choice attracting five points and the second three points. The voting portal remains open for six weeks, following the circulation of revised criteria and voting guidelines to all eligible voters.

Phillips reaffirmed confidence in the integrity of the process, describing the awards’ journey as one built on “courage, consistency and collaboration.”