- Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Eno, MTN, BET9JA,GTI, NDDC in the mix
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) and Calvin Bassey (Fulham) headline the nominations for the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.
The organisers announced the nominees at a media gathering held on Tuesday, December 16, at the Johnwood Hotel, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, organised to honour partners, members of the College of Voters and journalists, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr Shina Philips, reaffirmed confidence in the integrity of the voting process coordinated by SIAO Partners, the accounting firm responsible for collating and auditing results since 2014.
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“We thank SIAO Partners and express full confidence in the results that will be presented. For over 11 years, they have demonstrated professionalism and commitment to this national project,” Philips said.
Also speaking, Senior Manager at SIAO Partners, Afolabi Lawal, said the firm adhered strictly to due process in collating and auditing the votes.
While unveiling the nominees, NFF Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, said the Federation continues to support the Nigeria Pitch Awards because of its credibility and transparency.
In the King of the Pitch category, reigning winner Lookman will contest the award alongside Osimhen and Bassey.
The Queen of the Pitch award will be decided between Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion Women), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto) and Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain Féminine).
New Super Eagles defensive prospect, Benjamin Frederick (Dender EH), will challenge Bassey and Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) for the Defender of the Year honour.
The Midfielder of the Year category features Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) and Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş).
In the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker, Lookman and Osimhen are nominated again, alongside Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United.
The Football Friendly Governor of the Year award will be contested by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom).
Dr Philips also announced that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will receive the Special Achievement in Sports Award, in recognition of its contributions to sports development through the organisation of the Niger Delta Games.
ALL THE NOMINEES:
GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
Kayode Bankole Remo Stars & TS Galaxy F.C.
Maduka Okoye Udinese Calcio
Stanley Nwabali Chippa United F.C.
DEFENDER OF THE YEAR
Benjamin Frederick F.C.V. Dender E.H.
Calvin Bassey Fulham F.C.
Ola Aina Nottingham Forest F.C.
MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR
Alex Iwobi Fulham F.C.
Frank Onyeka Brentford F.C.
Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge
Wilfred Ndidi Beşiktaş J.K.
RASHIDI YEKINI AWARD FOR THE BEST STRIKER OF THE YEAR
Ademola Lookman Atalanta BC
Anas Yusuf Nasarawa United
Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Remo Stars F.C
Rivers United F.C
Super Falcons
COACH OF THE YEAR
Daniel Ogunmodede Remo Stars F.C
Finidi George Rivers United F.C
Justine Madugu Super Falcons
SAM OKWARAJI AWARD
Kunle Soname Bet9ja
Patrick Olusegun Odegbami Nigerian Ex-International
Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K
STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Delta State
Kwara State
Lagos State
FOOTBALL PITCH OF THE YEAR
Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium , Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
MKO Abiola Int’l Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State
Remo Stars Stadium , Remo, Ogun State
FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR
His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos State
His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun Ogun State
His Excellency, Umo Eno Akwa Ibom State
CORPORATE SPONSOR OF FOOTBALL AWARD
Bet9ja Sport Betting
GTI Financial Financial Services
MTN Nigeria Telecom
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Bukola Olopade D.G, NSC
George Aluo Chairman, NNL
Hon. 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 TV
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 Sportsvillagesquare.com
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 Feminine
KING OF THE PITCH
Ademola Lookman Atalanta B.C.
Calvin Bassey Fulham F.C.
Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K.
