Lookman, Ajibade, Iwobi Win Big At Nigeria Pitch Awards (Full List)

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has been named Striker of the Year and King of the Pitch at the 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The award ceremony took place after Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier match against Zimbabwe at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom.

Rasheedat Ajibade, a forward for Atlético de Madrid Femenino and the Super Falcons, was honored as Queen of the Pitch. The event also celebrated various footballers, coaches, and journalists for their contributions to Nigerian football.

During the event, the president of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, reaffirmed the organizers’ commitment to maintaining the prestige of the awards. He assured that despite challenges, the awards would continue to recognize the efforts of footballers and administrators. He also encouraged Nigerians to keep supporting the Super Eagles and other national teams.

In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United triumphed over Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole. For the Defender of the Year award, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong edged out Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, marking his fourth win in this category.

Alex Iwobi, who plays for Fulham, won Midfielder of the Year, beating Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and FC Augsburg’s Frank Onyema. This is the third time Iwobi has received this recognition.

The Sam Okwaraji Award for Commitment to Nigerian Football went to Hon. Kunle Soname for the second time. He surpassed former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami and ex-Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa for the honor.

Rangers International FC was named Team of the Year, while their coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, won Coach of the Year. MTN retained the Corporate Sponsor of Football award.

In the journalism category, Samuel Ahmadu of Savid News was named Football Journalist of the Year – Online, while Charles Diya of New Telegraph won the Print category. Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV won Football Journalist of the Year – TV, and Tony Bekederemo of Brila Sports Radio took home the Radio category award.

Other notable recognitions included Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who was named Football-Friendly Governor of the Year for his contributions to the sport.

Full List of Winners:

– Goalkeeper of the Year: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United)

– Defender of the Year: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC)

– Midfielder of the Year: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC)

– Striker of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC)

– Team of the Year: Rangers International FC

– Coach of the Year: Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International FC)

– Football-Friendly Governor of the Year: Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State)

– Football Journalist of the Year – Print: Charles Diya (New Telegraph Newspapers)

– Football Journalist of the Year – TV: Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV)

– Football Journalist of the Year – Radio: Tony Bekederemo (Brila 88.9 FM)

– Football Journalist of the Year – Online: Samuel Ahmadu (Savid News)

– Queen of the Pitch: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atlético de Madrid Femenino)

– King of the Pitch: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC)

The Nigeria Pitch Awards continue to recognize outstanding performances in Nigerian football, celebrating both athletes and professionals who contribute to the growth of the sport.
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