The organisers of the prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards have officially announced the nominees for its landmark 12th edition, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Asisat Oshoala included in the star-studded list.
This follows the successful conclusion of a rigorous voting process that spanned from October 29 to November 18, 2025.
In a gathering of football stakeholders, partners, and members of the College of Voters in Abuja, the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Mr. Shina Phillips, expressed his profound gratitude to the sports media and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their steadfast support over the past 12 years.
Phillips noted that the emergence of this year’s nominees followed strict guidelines established in 2013, aimed at maintaining the highest level of integrity.
“At our inaugural press conference in 2012, we promised that the Nigeria Pitch Awards platform would be built on credibility and transparency,” Phillips stated. “With the support of SIAO Partners, our collation and verification auditors for over 11 years, we have remained steadfast in this commitment.”
He also announced plans to expand the event with the introduction of an annual sports conference, to be held alongside the awards ceremony.
In the flagship King of the Pitch (Men) category, nominees include Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey.
The Queen of the Pitch (Women) category features Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, recognising their excellence in the past year.
Other key nominations include Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali and Kayode Bankole for Goalkeeper of the Year, while Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika are shortlisted for Midfielder of the Year.
Defender of the Year contenders include Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, with Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Yusuf Anas competing for Striker of the Year honours.
For Coach of the Year, the nominees are Daniel Ogunmodede, Finidi George and Justin Madugu, while Remo Stars FC, Rivers United FC and the Super Falcons are listed for Team of the Year.
Additional award categories include Football Pitch of the Year, with nominees Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Moshood Abiola Stadium and Abeokuta; Corporate Sponsor of Football Award, with BetNaija nominated; and Football Friendly Governor, recognising Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State).
Organisers also paid tribute to the late Rashidi Yekini, confirming that the Striker of the Year Award has been permanently renamed the Rashidi Yekini Award to honour Nigeria’s all-time leading goal scorer.
The awards ceremony is expected to be held on December 22, 2025, celebrating outstanding achievements by Nigerian footballers, coaches, administrators and journalists over the past year.