Nigeria Pitch Awards: Philips Backs National Teams to Reclaim Glory

Posted : 25 August 2026

Organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have expressed renewed confidence in the ability of Nigerian football to overcome its recent challenges and return to the path of international success.

President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr. Shina Philips, gave the assurance in Abuja on Monday, saying the quality and determination of Nigerian players competing across different leagues remained a source of optimism for the future of the sport.

Philips said Nigerian footballers plying their trade in Europe, America, Africa and other parts of the world continued to demonstrate the talent and resilience needed to restore the country’s football fortunes.

“We have absolute confidence in our footballers who are doing well in various leagues across Europe, America, Africa, and other parts of the world,” Philips said.

He said the organisers’ decision to proceed with the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards Ceremony despite the recent setbacks was itself a demonstration of their faith in the future of Nigerian football.

The ceremony, earlier scheduled to hold before now, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at the Ibis Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

Philips said the awards had, since their inception in Calabar in 2013, remained committed to recognising footballers, administrators, coaches, journalists, sponsors and other stakeholders whose contributions have helped advance Nigerian football.

“Hosting the 12th Awards Ceremony at this time is a demonstration of our faith in Nigerian football,” he said.

He, however, apologised for the delay in staging the ceremony, explaining that although the trophies and other logistical arrangements were ready, certain circumstances forced the organisers to postpone the event.

The 12th edition will feature 18 award categories, with some of Nigeria’s leading football personalities and institutions competing for recognition.

The King of the Pitch category promises a major contest between Atlético de Madrid forward Ademola Lookman, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.

Lookman and Osimhen will also compete for the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year, alongside Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United.

The Queen of the Pitch category features Brighton & Hove Albion Women goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, AFC Toronto forward Esther Okoronkwo and Paris Saint-Germain Feminin star Rasheedat Ajibade.

The Goalkeeper of the Year nominees are Kayode Bankole of Gold Star FC, Maduka Okoye of Udinese Calcio and Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United.

For Defender of the Year, Benjamin Frederick of Brentford, Calvin Bassey of Fulham and Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest will battle for the award.

The Midfielder of the Year category features Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi.

In the Team of the Year category, Remo Stars, Rivers United and the Super Falcons are nominated, while Daniel Ogunmodede of Kano Pillars, Finidi George of Rivers United and Justin Madugu of the Super Falcons are in contention for Coach of the Year.

The Sam Okwaraji Award nominees are Bet9ja Chairman Kunle Soname, Nigerian football legend Patrick Olusegun Odegbami and Victor Osimhen.

Delta, Kwara and Lagos states will contest the award for State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, while the Football Pitch of the Year nominees are Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo; MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta; and Remo Stars Stadium, Remo.

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom are nominees for Football Friendly Governor of the Year.

The Corporate Sponsor of Football Award will be contested by Bet9ja, GTI Financial and MTN Nigeria, while Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission; George Aluo, Chairman of the Nigeria National League; and Remo Stars Chairman Kunle Soname are nominated for the Sportsmanship Award.

The awards will also recognise excellence in football journalism across print, television, radio and online platforms.

Abiodun Adewale of Punch, Johnny Edward of The Nation and Charles Diya of New Telegraph are nominated for Football Journalist of the Year – Print.

The television category features Babatunde Koiki of News Central Television, Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV and Mozez Praiz of SuperSport.

For radio, the nominees are Olawale Adigun, Anthony Bekederemo and Chuma Nnoli, while Kunle Solaja, Niyi Busari and Samuel Ahmadu will contest the online journalism category.

Philips said the awards remained an avenue to encourage those contributing to the development of Nigerian football and expressed optimism that the country’s football fortunes would soon experience a positive turnaround.

The organisers believe the 12th edition will not only celebrate outstanding performances but also reinforce the message that Nigerian football possesses the talent and potential to rise again.

Nigeria Pitch Awards: Philips Backs National Teams to Reclaim Glory

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