President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, says Nigerian football can recover from recent setbacks and regain its place among Africa’s leading football nations.
Nigeria Pitch Awards return on September 8
Philips spoke in Abuja on Monday as organisers announced that the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards will hold on September 8 at the Ibis Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
His comments came after a difficult period for Nigeria’s national teams.
The Super Eagles and Super Falcons recently suffered setbacks in their respective World Cup qualification campaigns.
Philips said the performance of Nigerian players in leagues across the world gives the country reason to remain hopeful.
“We have absolute confidence in our footballers who are doing well in various leagues across Europe, America, Africa, and other parts of the world,” he said.
He said that holding the 12th edition despite the recent setbacks showed the organisers’ faith in Nigerian football and its players.
“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,” Philips said.
The organisers initially planned the ceremony for earlier in the year but postponed it.
Philips, however, apologised for the delay and said the trophies and other logistics were already in place before the organisers shifted the date.
“All necessary logistics, including the award statuettes, have been in place, but the awards themselves could not be held as earlier scheduled,” he said.
The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards will feature 18 categories. Several Super Eagles and Super Falcons players are among the nominees.
For the King of the Pitch award, Atlético de Madrid forward Ademola Lookman, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen are nominated.
Lookman and Osimhen will also compete for the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year. Anas Yusuf of Wolaita Dicha FC completes the shortlist.
The Queen of the Pitch award will feature Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion Women, Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto and Rasheedat Ajibade of Paris Saint-Germain.
Other categories include Goalkeeper, Defender, Midfielder, Team, Coach, Sportsmanship, Corporate Sponsor and Football Journalist of the Year across print, television, radio and online platforms.
Remo Stars, Rivers United and the Super Falcons are nominated for Team of the Year. Daniel Ogunmodede, Finidi George and Justin Madugu are in contention for Coach of the Year.
Delta, Kwara and Lagos states will compete for State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme.
The Football Pitch of the Year category features the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta and the Remo Stars Stadium in Remo.
Similarly, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno are nominated for Football Friendly Governor of the Year.
The awards will bring together football administrators, players, coaches, government officials, corporate organisations and media professionals.
The ceremony will recognise contributions to the growth of Nigerian football.
External links
Nigeria Pitch Awards
Nigeria Football Federation
BUA Group
