Nominees For The 2021 Nigeria Pitch Awards Revealed

In a press conference held at Ibis Hotel Lagos on Wednesday, the nominees for the eighth edition of The Nigeria Pitch Awards were announced with 17 categories to be decided.

The Nigeria Pitch Awards, initiated by Matchmakers Inc in 2012, is aimed at recognising the country’s most outstanding football persons in a given year.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Barcelona women’s Asisat Oshoala are top of the list of nominees for the 2021 Nigeria Pitch Awards billed to hold in Abuja in March, 2022.

Up against Asisat Oshoala for the Queen of the Pitch award are Gift Monday of
Rivers Angels and Uchenna Kalu of Linkopings FC.

Wilfred Ndidi and Paul Onuachu ready to give Napoli star Victor Osimhen a run for the King of the Pitch award.

Speaking on the 2021 awards, President, Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, explained that the journey to the eighth edition of the awards “is the story of the determination of all stakeholders to create and sustain a reward platform for our footballers, administrators and football lovers and supporters.”

He recalled that in its inaugural press conference in 2012, the organiers promised that the Nigeria Pitch Awards would offer Nigerians more than awards to deserving footballers, adding, “In continuing with this vision to offer more to improve sports in Nigeria, we are pleased to announce an annual symposium on sports.

“The symposium which will precede the annual Award Ceremony will attract local and international speakers. Our vision is to make the gathering a unique opportunity to renew and re-focus national attention on sports in Nigeria and open up avenues for administrators to harness the opportunities sports provide. We will outline more details of this project in the coming months,” he stated.

NOMINEES IN FULL:

Goalkeeper of the Year:
Francis Uzoho
Maduka Okoye
Daniel Akpeyi

Defender of the Year:
William Troost Ekong
Olisa Ndah
Leon Balogun

Midfielder of the Year:
Frank Onyeka
Joe Aribo
Wilfred Ndidi

Striker of the Year:
Kelechi Iheanacho
Victor Osimhen
Paul Onuachu

Queen of the Pitch:
Gift Monday
Asisat Oshoala
Uchenna Kalu

King of the Pitch:
Wilfred Ndidi
Paul Onuachu
Victor Osimhen

Team of the Year:
Bayelsa United
Rivers United
Akwa United

Coach of the Year:
Diepreye Teibowei
Edwin Okon
Kennedy Boboye

Journalist of the Year:
Fisayo Dairo
Shina Oludare
Tobi Adepoju

Sam Okwaraji Award:
Victor Osimhen
Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi
Asisat Oshoala

State with best grassroots football development:
Delta
Edo
Lagos

Football Friendly Governor:
Nyesom Wike
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa

Corporate Sponsor of Football Award:
Aiteo Group
Air Peace

Football Pitch of the Year Award:
Godswill Akpabio Stadium
Mobolaji Johnson Stadium
Teslim Balogun Stadium