Osimhen, Ajibade Emerge Top Stars at 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards

Posted : 09 September 2026

Galatasaray FC of Türkiye forward, Victor Osimhen, has become the most decorated player in the history of the Nigeria Pitch Awards after winning the ‘King of the Pitch’ award for a record fourth time.

Osimhen reclaimed the prestigious crown at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony held on Tuesday at the Ibis Hotel, Lagos, after losing it to fellow Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, in the 2025 edition.

The striker had previously won the award in three consecutive editions in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Osimhen defeated Lookman, the defending champion, while Calvin Bassey finished third in the male category.

Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, emerged the ‘Queen of the Pitch’, defeating her national teammates, Esther Okoronkwo and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who finished second and third respectively.

The awards, organised by Matchmakers Consult International Ltd. in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), recognise outstanding contributions to Nigerian football by players, coaches, administrators, journalists and other stakeholders.

Osimhen further enhanced his haul on the night by winning the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker.

He beat Nasarawa United forward, Anas Yusuf, and Lookman to claim the award.

Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United was named Goalkeeper of the Year after edging Maduka Okoye of Udinese and Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars.

Bassey won Defender of the Year ahead of Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest and Frederick Benjamin of FCV Dender.

Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi, won the Midfielder of the Year award, beating Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi of Beşiktaş JK and Frank Onyeka of Coventry.

Super Falcons coach, Justine Madugu, was named Coach of the Year ahead of Daniel Ogunmodede and Rivers United coach, Finidi George.

Remo Stars were crowned Team of the Year, ahead of the Super Falcons and Rivers United.

The Sam Okwaraji Award for Commitment to Nigerian Football went to Remo Stars proprietor, Kunle Soname, who defeated former Super Eagles playmaker, Segun Odegbami, and Osimhen.

Soname also received the Sportsmanship Award ahead of National Sports Commission Director-General, Bukola Olopade, and George Aluo.

Lagos State won the Best Grassroots Development Programme award, with Delta and Kwara finishing second and third respectively.

The Godswill Akpabio Stadium was voted Football Pitch of the Year ahead of the MKO Abiola Stadium and Remo Stars Stadium.

Akwa Ibom Gov. Umo Eno emerged Football-Friendly Governor of the Year, ahead of Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun and Lagos Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

MTN retained the Corporate Sponsor of Football award ahead of Bet9ja and GTI Financial.

In the media category, Savid News won Football Journalist of the Year (Online), while Charles Diya of New Telegraph Newspapers emerged winner in the Print category.

Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels Television won the Television category, while Tony Bekederemo of Brila Sports Radio was voted Football Journalist of the Year (Radio).

President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Phillips, congratulated the winners and urged them to use the recognition as motivation for greater achievements.

Phillips also encouraged nominees who did not win to remain proud of their achievements.

“This award does not have any loser. All those nominated are winners, but there must be someone to carry the ultimate prize.

“We will continue to strive to make the awards better as the years go by,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by leading personalities in Nigerian football.

Osimhen, Ajibade Emerge Top Stars at 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards

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