Nigeria Pitch Awards Unveil Plans for 12th Edition, Introduce Rashidi Yekini Award and Annual Sports Conference

The Nigeria Pitch Awards are set to return for their 12th edition, with organizers unveiling fresh plans during a special luncheon held on Monday at the BON Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including partners, members of the College of Voters, and prominent figures from the sports media landscape.

Among the attendees were Dr. Ademola Olajire, Director of Communication at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Mr. Oluwadare Ojelabi, Director of Audit and Assurance at SIAO Partners.

Also present were top sports editors, broadcasters, pundits, and columnists who have supported the awards over the years.

In his address, Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, praised the unwavering commitment of stakeholders nationwide.

‘The journey to the 12th edition of the awards is the story of the determination of all stakeholders to establish and sustain a reward platform for our footballers, administrators, football lovers, and supporters,’ he said.

Philips also announced the institution of an annual sports conference to precede the awards ceremony. He described the initiative as a strategic move to refocus national attention on sports and create new opportunities for administrators to leverage the sector’s potential.

A major highlight of the luncheon was the renaming of the Striker of the Year Award to the ‘Rashidi Yekini Award,’ in honor of the late Super Eagles legend.

Yekini remains Nigeria’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 37 goals in 62 appearances, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of footballers.

Voting for the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Since its inception in Calabar in 2013, the awards have consistently celebrated excellence both on and off the pitch, earning respect across the football community.

Representing the NFF, Dr. Olajire expressed the Federation’s satisfaction with the credibility and consistency of the awards process. Mr. Ojelabi reaffirmed SIAO Partners’ commitment to supporting the initiative as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

The firm has been responsible for auditing the voting process since 2014, ensuring transparency and integrity.