Lookman battles Osimhen and Ekong as 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards hold on March 25 in Uyo

By Wale Mustapha

The 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards is set to take place on March 25th, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, following the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Zimbabwe’s Warriors.

In a statement released by Mr. Shina Philips, the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, he announced that the ceremony will feature the unveiling of winners across 18 categories.

Additionally, two distinguished Nigerians will be honored with the Special Achievement in Sports Award for their significant contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

The recipients of the Special Achievement in Sports Award include Alhaji Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, who has played an integral role in the growth of sports in Nigeria, and AIG Garba Baba Umar (rtd), former Chairman of the NFF Security Committee during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Notable Award Categories and Nominees:

King of the Pitch

• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC)
• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC)
• William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC)

Queen of the Pitch

• Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC)
• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)
• Rasheedat Ajibade (Atlético de Madrid Femenino)

Football Friendly Governor of the Year

• Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
• Governor Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State)
• Governor Godwin Obaseki (former Edo State Governor)

Striker of the Year

• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC)

Best Corporate Sponsor of Football

• GTI Financial
• MTN Nigeria
• Bet9ja Limited

Other Categories:

• Goalkeeper of the Year
• Defender of the Year
• Midfielder of the Year
• Team of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• Sam Okwaraji Award
• Sportsmanship Award
• State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme
• Football Pitch of the Year
• Football Journalist of the Year