Organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have released the full list of nominees for the 12th Award Ceremony, celebrating outstanding performances and contributions to Nigerian football across domestic and international platforms.

 

The nominees span several categories, recognising excellence among players, coaches, teams, administrators, journalists, corporate organisations and state governments for their roles in the development of football in Nigeria.

 

In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars and TS Galaxy FC will compete against Udinese Calcio’s Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United FC.

 

The Defender of the Year award features Benjamin Frederick of FCV Dender EH, Fulham FC’s Calvin Bassey and Nottingham Forest FC defender Ola Aina.

 

For Midfielder of the Year, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Brentford FC’s Frank Onyeka, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and Beşiktaş JK’s Wilfred Ndidi made the shortlist.

 

The prestigious Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year will be contested by Atalanta BC forward Ademola Lookman, Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf and Galatasaray SK striker Victor Osimhen.

 

In the Team of the Year category, Remo Stars FC, Rivers United FC and the Super Falcons were nominated.

 

The Coach of the Year nominees are Daniel Ogunmodede of Remo Stars FC, Finidi George of Rivers United FC and Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu.

 

For the Sam Okwaraji Award, nominees include Kunle Soname of Bet9ja, former Nigerian international Patrick Olusegun Odegbami and Victor Osimhen.

 

The award for State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme will be contested by Delta State, Kwara State and Lagos State.

 

Three venues were shortlisted for Football Pitch of the Year: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo; MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta; and Remo Stars Stadium, Remo.

 

In the Football Friendly Governor of the Year category, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno were nominated.

 

The Corporate Sponsor of Football Award nominees are Bet9ja, GTI Financial and MTN Nigeria.

 

For the Sportsmanship Award, nominees include Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission; George Aluo, Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL); and Hon. Kunle Soname, Chairman of Remo Stars FC.

 

In the media categories, nominees for Football Journalist of the Year (Print) are Abiodun Adewale (Punch Newspapers), Johnny Edward (The Nation Newspapers) and Charles Diya (New Telegraph Newspapers).

 

The Football Journalist of the Year (TV) category features Babatunde Koiki (News Central Television), Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV) and Mozez Praiz (SuperSport).

 

For Football Journalist of the Year (Radio), nominees are Olawale Adigun (Wazobia 94.9 FM/Sure 97.5 FM), Anthony Bekederemo (Brila 88.9 FM) and Chuma Nnoli (Nigeria Info FM).

 

The Football Journalist of the Year (Online) category includes Kunle Solaja (SportsVillageSquare.com), Niyi Busari (BSNSports.com.ng) and Samuel Ahmadu (Savid News/NigeriaFootball.ng).

 

In women’s football, the Queen of the Pitch nominees are Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion Women, Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto and Rasheedat Ajibade of PSG Féminine.

 

The King of the Pitch award will be contested by Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey and Victor Osimhen.

 

The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony is expected to bring together key stakeholders in Nigerian football, as the organisers continue to promote excellence, credibility and transparency in celebrating achievements within the sport.