News
Shina Philips: Nigerian Football Will Bounce Back From Recent Setbacks
The President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr Shina Philips, says Nigerian football will bounce back from its recent setbacks, expressing confidence in the national teams, players and domestic leagues.
Philips spoke in Abuja on Monday as organisers of the annual Nigeria Pitch Awards announced that the 12th edition of the awards ceremony will hold on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Ibis Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
“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.
He said the decision to proceed with the awards ceremony, despite recent disappointments in international competitions, demonstrated the organisers’ continued belief in the future of Nigerian football.
“Hosting the 12th Awards Ceremony at this time is a demonstration of our faith in Nigerian football. 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 this year’s ceremony, explaining that although the trophies and other logistics were ready, certain factors forced the postponement.
“All necessary logistics, including the award statuettes, have been in place, but the awards itself could not be held as earlier scheduled,” he said.
The 12th edition will feature awards across 18 categories, with some of Nigeria’s leading players, coaches, teams, administrators and football journalists nominated.
In the King of the Pitch category, 2024 winner Ademola Lookman of Atlético de Madrid will compete against Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
Lookman and Osimhen will also compete with Anas Yusuf of Wolaita Dicha FC for the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year.
The Queen of the Pitch award will see Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion Women, Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto and Rasheedat Ajibade of PSG Feminine compete for the top honour.
Other player categories include Goalkeeper of the Year, with Kayode Bankole of Gold Geita FC, Maduka Okoye of Udinese Calcio and Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United nominated.
The Defender of the Year category features Benjamin Frederick of Brentford, Calvin Bassey of Fulham and Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest.
Alex Iwobi of Fulham, Frank Onyeka of Coventry FC, Raphael Onyedika of Eintracht Frankfurt and Wilfred Ndidi of Beşiktaş will contest the Midfielder of the Year award.
For Team of the Year, Remo Stars, Rivers United and the Super Falcons are nominated, while Daniel Ogunmodede of Kano Pillars, Finidi George of Rivers United and Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu will contest the Coach of the Yearaward.
The Sam Okwaraji Award nominees are Bet9ja chairman Kunle Soname, former international Patrick Olusegun Odegbami and Victor Osimhen.
Delta, Kwara and Lagos States are nominated for the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme award.
The Football Pitch of the Year category features Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta and Remo Stars Stadium in Remo.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno are nominees for the Football Friendly Governor of the Year award.
Bet9ja, GTI Financial and MTN Nigeria will compete for the Corporate Sponsor of Football Award, while Bukola Olopade, George Aluo and Kunle Soname are nominated for the Sportsmanship Award.
The awards also recognise journalists across print, television, radio and online platforms.
Abiodun Adewale of Punch Newspapers, Johnny Edward of The Nation Newspapers and Charles Diya of New Telegraph are nominated for Football Journalist of the Year – Print.
The television category features Babatunde Koiki of News Central Television, Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels Television and Mozez Praiz of SuperSport.
Olawale Adigun of WASH 94.9 FM/Sure 97.5 FM, Anthony Bekederemo of Brila 88.9 FM and Chuma Nnoli of Nigeria Info FM are nominated for the radio category.
For Football Journalist of the Year – Online, the nominees are Kunle Solaja of Sportsvillagesquare.com, Niyi Busari of BSNSports.com.ng and Samuel Ahmadu of Savid News/Nigeriafootball.ng.
The organisers said the awards remain focused on recognising excellence and encouraging players, officials and other stakeholders whose contributions continue to advance Nigerian football.
The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony is expected to bring together football stakeholders, players, coaches, administrators, journalists and supporters as the organisers seek to reinforce confidence in the future of the sport.
Related
