Osimhen, Lookman, Nnadozie Lead Nominees for 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards
The organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have unveiled the full list of nominees for the 12th edition of the ceremony, with some of the country’s biggest football names set to contest the top honours across multiple categories.
The awards, which recognise excellence across Nigerian football on and off the pitch, once again feature a blend of home‑based standouts, Super Eagles stars and influential administrators.
In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole, Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali will battle for the top prize.
The Defender of the Year shortlist includes Benjamin Frederick of Dender, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina. Midfield recognition will be contested by Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi of Beşiktaş.
The prestigious Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year features Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf and Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen.
Remo Stars, Rivers United and the Super Falcons are the nominees for Team of the Year, while Daniel Ogunmodede, Finidi George and Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu will compete for Coach of the Year.
The Sam Okwaraji Award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to Nigerian football, with Bet9ja founder Kunle Soname, former international Segun Odegbami and Victor Osimhen all nominated.
Delta, Kwara and Lagos States are in contention for the award recognising the best grassroots football development programme.
The Football Pitch of the Year category features the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta and the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
Governors Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, Dapo Abiodun and Umo Eno are shortlisted for Football Friendly Governor of the Year.
Corporate support for the game will also be acknowledged, with Bet9ja, GTI Financial and MTN Nigeria nominated for the Corporate Sponsor of Football Award.
The Sportsmanship Award will be contested by NSC Director General Bukola Olopade, NNL chairman George Aluo and Remo Stars chairman Hon. Kunle Soname.
Journalists across print, television, radio and online platforms are also recognised. Abiodun Adewale, Johnny Edward and Charles Diya are shortlisted in the print category, while Babatunde Koiki, Cecilia Omorogbe and Mozez Praiz lead the TV nominations.
Olawale Adigun, Anthony Bekederemo and Chuma Nnoli are the radio nominees, with Kunle Solaja, Niyi Busari and Samuel Ahmadu competing for the online journalism award.
In the women’s categories, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade are nominated for Queen of the Pitch. The King of the Pitch award will be contested by Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey and Victor Osimhen, rounding off a star‑studded list for one of Nigeria’s most respected football award ceremonies.
