Pitch Awards 2026: Lookman, Osimhen, Niyi Busari, Nnadozie Headline Star-Studded Nominees

Pitch Awards 2026: Lookman, Osimhen, Niyi Busari, Nnadozie Headline Star-Studded Nominees

By Niyi Busari 

Super Eagles stars, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and BSN Sports Editor, Niyi Busari are among nominees in the 18 different categories for top award in he 2026 Pitch Awards, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr Shina Philips, has expressed confidence that Nigerian football will overcome its recent setbacks and return to the path of success.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Philips said the country’s national teams and domestic leagues possess enough quality to turn around their fortunes despite a string of disappointing results in recent international competitions.

“We have absolute confidence in our footballers who are doing well in various leagues across Europe, America, Africa and other parts of the world,” Philips said.

He added that the performances of Nigerian players across the globe remain a source of optimism for the future of the country’s football.

In a further show of confidence in the sport, Philips announced that the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony, initially scheduled to take place earlier this year, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Ibis Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to Philips, staging the awards at this time reflects the organisers’ continued belief in Nigerian football and its stakeholders.

“Hosting the 12th Awards Ceremony at this time is a demonstration of our faith in Nigerian football. Since 2013, when we held our maiden edition in Calabar, we have shown Nigerians that our players deserve commendations and encouragement for their selfless, patriotic contributions to the growth of our football,” he said.

Philips also apologised for the delay in holding the 12th edition, explaining that although the award trophies and other logistical arrangements were already in place, unforeseen circumstances forced the postponement.

“All necessary logistics, including the award statuettes, have been in place, but the awards itself could not be held as earlier scheduled,” he stated.

The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards will feature 18 categories, with several prominent Nigerian footballers, coaches, administrators, teams and journalists nominated for honours.

The King of the Pitch category is set for a highly competitive contest involving Atlético de Madrid forward Ademola Lookman, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.

Lookman and Osimhen are also nominated alongside Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf for the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year.

The Queen of the Pitch category features a strong trio of Nigeria Super Falcons stars: Brighton & Hove Albion Women goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, AFC Toronto forward Esther Okoronkwo and Paris Saint-Germain Feminin forward Rasheedat Ajibade.

The Football Friendly Governor of the Year award will see Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno compete for the honour.

Other major categories include Goalkeeper, Defender, Midfielder, Coach and Team of the Year, as well as the Sam Okwaraji Award, Sportsmanship Award, Football Pitch of the Year and State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme.

The awards will also recognise outstanding contributions to Nigerian football journalism, with nominees shortlisted across print, television, radio and online categories.

Nigeria Pitch Awards 2026 Nominees

Goalkeeper of the Year

- Kayode Bankole – Gold Geita FC

- Maduka Okoye – Udinese Calcio

- Stanley Nwabali – Chippa United FC

Defender of the Year

- Benjamin Frederick – Brentford FC

- Calvin Bassey – Fulham FC

- Ola Aina – Nottingham Forest FC

Midfielder of the Year

- Alex Iwobi – Fulham FC

- Frank Onyeka – Coventry FC

- Raphael Onyedika – Eintracht Frankfurt

- Wilfred Ndidi – Beşiktaş JK

Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year

- Ademola Lookman – Atlético de Madrid

- Anas Yusuf – Wolaita Dicha FC

- Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray SK

Team of the Year

- Remo Stars FC

- Rivers United FC

- Super Falcons

Coach of the Year

- Daniel Ogunmodede – Kano Pillars FC

- Finidi George – Rivers United FC

- Justin Madugu – Super Falcons

Sam Okwaraji Award

- Kunle Soname – Bet9ja

- Patrick Olusegun Odegbami – Nigerian Ex-International

- Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray SK

State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme

- Delta State

- Kwara State

- Lagos State

Football Pitch of the Year

- Godswill Akpabio International Stadium – Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

- MKO Abiola Sports Arena – Abeokuta, Ogun State

- Remo Stars Stadium – Remo, Ogun State

Football Friendly Governor of the Year

- Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Lagos State

- Dapo Abiodun – Ogun State

- Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State

Corporate Sponsor of Football Award

- Bet9ja – Sports Betting

- GTI Financial – Financial Services

- MTN Nigeria – Telecommunications

Sportsmanship Award

- Bukola Olopade – Director-General, NSC

- George Aluo – Chairman, NNL

- Kunle Soname – Chairman, Remo Stars FC

Football Journalist of the Year – Print

- Abiodun Adewale – Punch Newspapers

- Johnny Edward – The Nation Newspapers

- Charles Diya – New Telegraph Newspapers

Football Journalist of the Year – TV

- Babatunde Koiki – News Central Television

- Cecilia Omorogbe – Channels Television

- Mozez Praiz – SuperSport

Football Journalist of the Year – Radio

- Olawale Adigun – WASH 94.9 FM/Sure 97.5 FM

- Anthony Bekederemo – Brila 88.9 FM

- Chuma Nnoli – Nigeria Info FM

Football Journalist of the Year – Online

- Kunle Solaja – Sports Village Square

- Niyi Busari – BSNSports.com.ng

- Samuel Ahmadu – Savid News/Nigeriafootball.ng

Queen of the Pitch

- Chiamaka Nnadozie – Brighton & Hove Albion Women

- Esther Okoronkwo – AFC Toronto

- Rasheedat Ajibade – PSG Féminine

King of the Pitch

- Ademola Lookman – Atlético de Madrid

- Calvin Bassey – Fulham FC

- Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray SK