Nigeria and Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen is facing a big challenge in his quest to retain the ‘King of the Pitch’ award at the forthcoming Nigeria Pitch Awards.
This is because Osimhen, who won the 2024 edition, has been nominated in the category of the awards’s biggest plaque alongside reigning African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta FC of Italy forward, Ademola Lookman.
The nominations were announced Thursday at a media briefing held at Bon Hotels, Sobo Arobiodu, Ikeja, Lagos.
Organisers of the awards, Lenders Consult International led by Mr. Shina Phillips, also unveiled other 17 categories of the awards expected to hold in the next few weeks.
See full nominations list…
Goalkeeper of the Year:
Maduka Okoye (Undize Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria).
Defender of the Year:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Williams Troost Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia).
Midfielder of the Year:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg, Germany).
Striker of the Year:
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy).
Team of the Year:
Rangers International FC, Edo Queens FC, and Remo Stars.
Coach of the Year:
Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars), Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens FC), Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International FC).
Sam Okwaraji Award:
Segun Odegbami, former Green Eagles captain; Ahmed Musa; Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars).
State With The Best Grassroots Football Development Programme: Edo State; Delta State; Lagos State.
Football Pitch of the Year:
Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos; Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne; Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Football-Friendly Governor of the Year:
His Excellency Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State); His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State); His Excellency Godwin Obaseki (former Governor of Edo State).
Corporate Sponsor of Football: Bet9ja (Sport Betting); GTI (Financial Services); MTN (Telecom)
Sportsmanship Award:
Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars); George Aluo (Chairman, Nigeria National League (NNL); Ahmed Musa (Super Eagles captain).
Football Journalist of the Year (Print):
Charles Diya (New Telegraph); Johnny Edward (The Nation Newspapers); Abiodun Adewale(Punch)
Football Journalist of the Year(TV):
Mozez Praiz, Supersport; Blessing Nwosu, Silverbird TV; Cecilia Omorogbe, Channels TV
Football Journalist of the Year(Radio):
Micheal Obasi, Hot FM Abuja; Chuma Nnoli, Nigeria Info FM; Olawale Adigun, Mainland FM; Anthony Bekederemo, Brila 88.9 FM
Football Journalist of the Year(Online):
Niyi Busari, BSN Sports Concept; Samuel Ahmadu, Savid News; Kunle Solaja, Sports Village Square
Queen of the Pitch:
Rasheedat Ajibade, Atlético de Madrid Femenino; Asisat Oshoala Bay FC; Chiamaka Nnadozie, Paris FC
King of the Pitch:
Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray S.K; Ademola Lookman, Atalanta BC; William Troost-Ekong, Al-kholood FC
