Lagos: The Nigeria Pitch Awards has officially announced the nominees for its 11th edition, reaffirming its dedication to transparency, credibility, and excellence in recognizing outstanding contributions to Nigerian football.

Speaking at a press conference held at the BON Hotel, Ikeja, the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of sports journalists, football analysts, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). He acknowledged the crucial role played by the College of Voters, which comprises seasoned sports editors and football analysts, in ensuring the credibility of the awards.

“The Nigeria Pitch Awards was founded on the principles of integrity and transparency. From the outset, our goal was to establish an award platform with a unique character, shaped by these values,” Philips stated. “The commitment of our College of Voters and the independent collation process by SIAO Partners, a reputable professional services firm, ensures that every winner is chosen through a rigorous and impartial process.”

The Nigeria Pitch Awards has maintained a strong partnership with the NFF since its inception in 2013. Philips acknowledged the Federation’s steadfast support, emphasizing that the awards have continued to evolve and inspire excellence among Nigerian footballers and stakeholders.

Recognizing the role of awards in motivating players, Philips underscored the need for continued investment in Nigerian football to propel athletes and teams to even greater heights on the global stage. “In spite of our past successes, there are still records to be broken and new milestones to achieve. We all have a part to play in shaping the future of Nigerian football,” he added.

With a decade of credibility behind it, the Nigeria Pitch Awards remains one of the most prestigious football recognition platforms in the country. As this year’s edition approaches, expectations are high as football enthusiasts anticipate the announcement of the winners.

Philips concluded by expressing confidence in the College of Voters and the integrity of the selection process, thanking all stakeholders for their continuous support.

The 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards promises to be another landmark event, celebrating excellence, dedication, and the passion that drives Nigerian football forward.

NIGERIA PITCH AWARDS NOMINEES FOR 2024 EDITION

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR 

Maduka Okoye                                            Udinese Calcio

Stanley Nwabali                                           Chippa United

Kayode Bankole                                           Remo Stars

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

Ola Aina                                                         Nottingham Forest FC

William Troost-Ekong                                                Al-kholood FC

Calvin Bassey                                                Fulham FC 

MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR 

Alex Iwobi                                                     Fulham FC 

Frank Onyeka                                               FC Augsburg

Wilfred Ndidi                                                Leicester City FC 

STRIKER OF THE YEAR 

Victor Osimhen                                            Galatasaray S.K

Victor Boniface                                            Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Ademola Lookman                                      Atalanta BC 

TEAM OF THE YEAR 

Remo Stars FC   

Rangers International FC 

Edo Queens    

COACH OF THE YEAR 

Moses Adukwu                                            Edo Queens FC

Fidelis Ilechukwu                                         Rangers International FC

Daniel Ogunmodede                                  Remo Stars FC

SAM OKWARAJI AWARD 

Segun Odegbami                                         Nigerian Ex-International

Ahmed Musa                                                Kano Pillars FC

Kunle Soname                                              Bet9ja 

STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 

Edo

Lagos

Delta

FOOTBALL PITCH OF THE YEAR 

Remo Stars Stadium                                   Remo, Ogun State

Mobolaji Johnson Sport Arena                                Onikan, Lagos State 

Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium                Uyo, Akwa Ibom State 

FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR 

His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu        Lagos State 

His Excellency, Umo Eno                            Akwa Ibom State

His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki               Former Governor, Edo State 

CORPORATE SPONSOR OF FOOTBALL AWARD 

GTI Financial                                                               Financial Services 

MTN Nigeria                                                 Telecom

Bet9ja                                                             Sport Betting 

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD 

George Aluo                                                                Chairman NNL

Hon. Kunle Soname                                    Chairman, Remo Stars

Ahmed Musa                                                Kano Pillars FC    

FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – PRINT 

Charles Diya                                                 New Telegraph 

Abiodun Adewale                                        Punch Newspapers

Johnny Edward                                            The Nation Newspapers 

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