Nigeria Football Will Rise Again, Says Philips

The organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have expressed optimism that Nigerian football will recover from its recent setbacks in international competitions.

President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr Shina Philips, gave the assurance in Abuja on Monday, saying the country still has enough talent and quality players to revive its fortunes.

Philips said Nigerian footballers playing in leagues across the world remain a source of confidence, despite the recent struggles of the country’s national teams.

“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.

READ ALSO: Harry Kane Named Germany’s Footballer of the Year

He said the organisers’ decision to proceed with the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards was itself an indication of their faith in the future of Nigerian football.

The awards ceremony, initially scheduled to hold earlier in the year, will now take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Ibis Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

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

He added that the awards had, since their inception in 2013, provided a platform to recognise players and other stakeholders contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.

“Since 2013, when we held our maiden edition in Calabar, we have shown Nigerians that our players deserve commendations and encouragement for their selfless, patriotic contributions to the growth of our football,” he said.

Philips also apologised for the delay in holding the 12th edition, explaining that although the trophies and other arrangements had been completed, some factors forced the organisers to postpone the ceremony.

“All necessary logistics, including the award statuettes, have been in place, but the awards itself could not be held as earlier scheduled,” he noted.

The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards will feature 18 categories, with some of the country’s leading footballers and coaches competing for honours.

Atlético de Madrid forward Ademola Lookman, the 2024 King of the Pitch winner, will battle Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen for the King of the Pitch award.

Lookman and Osimhen will also compete against Anas Yusuf of Wolaita Dicha FC for the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year.

The Queen of the Pitch category will see Brighton & Hove Albion Women forward Chiamaka Nnadozie, AFC Toronto’s Esther Okoronkwo and Paris Saint-Germain Feminine’s Rasheedat Ajibade compete for the honour.

In the Football Friendly Governor of the Year category, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the late Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno are listed among the nominees.

Other major categories include Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Sam Okwaraji Award, State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme and Football Pitch of the Year.

The awards will also recognise corporate sponsors, sportsmanship and journalists covering football across print, television, radio and online platforms.

Among the nominees for Goalkeeper of the Year are Kayode Bankole of Gold Geita 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 compete for the award.

Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi are nominated for Midfielder of the Year.

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

The Nigeria Pitch Awards began in 2013 with its maiden ceremony in Calabar and has since become an annual platform for recognising outstanding contributions to Nigerian football.