*Sanwo-Olu, Oshoala, Ahmed Musa, MTN listed
The Super Eagles trio of Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), and William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood), alongside billionaire businessman Kunle Soname and Ahmed Musa, lead the list of nominees with multiple entries, as the identities of contenders across 18 categories for the 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards were revealed yesterday.
The unveiling ceremony, held at Bon Hotel in Lagos, was attended by Dr. Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who represented the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau. The event was also graced by notable senior sports editors, led by Mr. Tony Ubani of the Vanguard, as well as a representative from SIAO Partners, the audit firm responsible for collating the awards.
Widely regarded as the flagship individual recognition awards in Nigerian football, the 2024 Pitch Awards will see Osimhen, Lookman, and Troost-Ekong compete for the prestigious King of The Pitch Award. Osimhen and Lookman will also vie for the Striker of the Year Award alongside Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface.
Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong is shortlisted for the Defender of the Year Award, where he faces stiff competition from Premier League duo Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) and Calvin Bassey (Fulham).
In addition to the Super Eagles trio, Remo Stars owner Kunle Soname and former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa are nominated for the Sam Okwaraji Award and the Sportsmanship Award. Soname’s influence extends further, as both his Remo Stars FC and Remo Stars Stadium are in the running for Team of the Year and Pitch of the Year Awards. His Bet9Ja company will also compete for the Corporate Sponsor of Football Award alongside GTI Financial and telecom giant MTN.
For the Football Friendly Governor of the Year, the competition will be fierce, with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki all in the running.
During the ceremony, Shina Philips, President of the Pitch Awards, acknowledged that the success and longevity of the awards could not have been achieved without the continued support of stakeholders, especially the NFF, the College of Voters, and the media.
“We deeply appreciate the invaluable role of the Nigerian media, who have shown unwavering support from the very beginning,” Philips said. “Since its inception in 2012, sports editors, correspondents, reporters, and pundits have consistently shown exceptional faith in the Nigeria Pitch Awards.”
He further stated, “We have also greatly benefited from the support of the NFF President, Management Team, and staff. The Nigeria Pitch Awards has been in partnership with the Federation since its first edition in Calabar in November 2013.”
Philips expressed satisfaction that the collaboration had only grown stronger over the years, adding, “The presence of the Federation’s Director of Communications today is a testament to their unwavering support for the Awards and their commitment to the growth of football in the country.”
For the upcoming 11th edition of the Pitch Awards, five-time Women’s African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC) will compete for the Queen of the Pitch Award alongside Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade (Atlético de Madrid Femenino) and two-time CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC).
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
Ademola Lookman Atalanta
William Troost-Ekong Al-Kholood