Victor Osimhen stole the spotlight in Lagos, taking home two of the biggest individual prizes at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards.
The Super Eagles striker was honoured for his performances during the 2025 season, winning both the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker and the prestigious King of the Pitch award.
Osimhen’s double triumph headlined an evening that celebrated some of Nigeria’s most prominent football talents.
Iwobi, Bassey and Nwabali also honoured
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi was named Midfielder of the Year, while Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey collected the Defender of the Year prize.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali won the Goalkeeper of the Year award, finishing ahead of fellow Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye of Udinese and Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole.
The women’s game also featured prominently.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade was crowned Queen of the Pitch, while Justine Madugu received the Coach of the Year award.
Madugu was recognised following Nigeria’s successful run at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Falcons claimed the continental title for a record-extending 10th time.
Remo Stars take Team of the Year
Remo Stars were another major winner on the night, collecting the Team of the Year award after their achievements during the season.
Club chairman Kunle Soname also received the Sam Okwaraji Award and the Sportsmanship Award.
Other institutional honours went to the Nigeria Police Force and the Niger Delta Development Commission, which jointly received the Special Achievement in Sports Award.
Calls for reform in Nigerian football
Nigeria Pitch Awards president Dr Shina Phillips said the ceremony came at an important moment for the country’s football industry as discussions around administrative and governance reforms continue.
Phillips commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the reform process and called for greater transparency, accountability and professionalism across football administration.
He also appealed to sports journalists and media organisations to contribute to efforts aimed at improving the way the game is managed and expanding opportunities for players and other stakeholders.
According to Phillips, meaningful reform should protect stakeholders, strengthen football institutions and create the conditions needed to identify and develop the next generation of Nigerian talent.
He also praised the College of Voters—made up largely of sports editors and managers—along with the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation and SIAO Partners for helping maintain the credibility of the awards.
New award for Nigeria’s next generation
The organisers announced a new category for the next edition: the Emerging Star Award.
The prize will recognise the most promising Nigerian footballer under the age of 18, with the organisers positioning it as a way to encourage grassroots development and spotlight young talent before they reach the senior stage.
Voting for the 2026 awards is scheduled to begin in December.
Organisers also revealed that the 13th Nigeria Pitch Awards, planned for 2027, will include a football symposium before the main ceremony.
More winners recognised
Lagos State received the award for Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, while the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo was named Football Pitch of the Year.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno was recognised as Football Friendly Governor of the Year, while MTN Nigeria won the Corporate Sponsor of Football Award.
The journalism categories produced four winners:
- Print: Charles Diya, New Telegraph
- Television: Cecilia Omorogbe, Channels Television
- Radio: Anthony Bekederemo, Brila 88.9 FM
- Online: Samuel Ahmadu, Savid News/Nigeriafootball.ng
The Nigeria Pitch Awards recognises players, coaches, administrators and other contributors whose work has influenced Nigerian football over the course of a football season.
But on a night packed with Nigerian football stars, it was Osimhen who left Lagos with the biggest individual haul.
