Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali and Calvin Bassey were among the biggest winners at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards.
Osimhen took home two major honours, winning the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year and being crowned King of the Pitch.
The Galatasaray forward was joined among the individual award winners by Iwobi, who was recognised as Midfielder of the Year, while Chippa United goalkeeper Nwabali claimed the Goalkeeper of the Year prize.
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey also received recognition after being named Defender of the Year.
In the women’s category, Super Falcons and Paris Saint-Germain forward Rasheedat Ajibade was crowned Queen of the Pitch.
Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu was named Coach of the Year, while Remo Stars won the Team of the Year award.
Remo Stars chairman Kunle Soname was another major figure recognised at the ceremony. He received the Sam Okwaraji Award and was also honoured with the Sportsmanship Award.
The Nigeria Police Force and the Niger Delta Development Commission received the Special Achievement in Sports Award for their contributions to sports development.
Lagos State was recognised for having the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, while the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo won Football Pitch of the Year.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno was named Football Friendly Governor of the Year, while MTN Nigeria received the Corporate Sponsor of Football Award.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding journalists covering Nigerian football. Charles Diya of New Telegraph won the Print category, Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV took the TV award, Anthony Bekederemo of Brila 88.9 FM won the Radio category, while Samuel Ahmadu was named Online Football Journalist of the Year.
The awards once again highlighted players, coaches, teams, organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions to Nigerian football and sports development.
