The anticipation for the 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards is reaching its peak as the nominees are set to be unveiled on February 20, 2025, at a press conference in Lagos. This annual award, which has become a prestigious platform for recognizing excellence in Nigerian football, will once again celebrate the country’s top players, coaches, and teams.
A Transparent and Rigorous Voting Process
According to Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, the selection of nominees was meticulously conducted through a nationwide voting process involving sports editors from across the country. Voting took place between November 25, 2024, and January 18, 2025, with all ballots collated and verified by an independent body before finalizing the list.
“Voting for the 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards was done by sports editors spread across the nation. All votes cast were collated and verified by an independent body, and as usual, this list will be unveiled at a press conference,” Philips stated.
He also expressed gratitude to all voters who participated in the process, emphasizing that their contributions have helped maintain the credibility and prestige of the awards.
“We are grateful to all our voters across Nigeria who voted to ensure that the Nigeria Pitch Awards will continue to honor Nigeria’s best in football and also encourage excellence in sports.”
A Legacy of Honoring Nigerian Football Excellence
Since its inception in 2013, the Nigeria Pitch Awards has built a strong reputation for its transparent and scientific voting process, which is verified by SIAO Partners. The awards have consistently celebrated outstanding performances by Nigerian footballers, both at home and abroad, while also recognizing the contributions of coaches, referees, and administrators in advancing the sport.
At the 10th edition held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, in June 2024, several big names in Nigerian football were honored:
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) clinched both Striker of the Year and King of the Pitch awards.
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham) was named Midfielder of the Year.
- Finidi George, former Enyimba coach and current Super Eagles head coach, was awarded Coach of the Year.
- Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona) emerged as Queen of the Pitch, solidifying her status as Nigeria’s most accomplished female footballer.
Why the Nigeria Pitch Awards Stand Out
The credibility of the voting system has been one of the strongest pillars of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, setting it apart from other football awards. The transparent voting process has established it as one of the most trusted and respected football awards, not just in Nigeria, but globally.
Unlike some awards that rely on public voting, which can be influenced by fan bias, the Nigeria Pitch Awards uses a panel of sports editors and an independent verification process, ensuring that winners are selected purely based on merit and performance.
What to Expect for the 11th Edition
With Nigerian football experiencing a remarkable resurgence in recent years, the 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards will be one to watch. Key categories such as King of the Pitch, Queen of the Pitch, Coach of the Year, Striker of the Year, and Midfielder of the Year will likely feature some of the country’s biggest stars, including:
- Victor Osimhen – who has continued to shine in club and international football.
- Asisat Oshoala – a consistent performer for both Barcelona and the Super Falcons.
- Ademola Lookman – who played a crucial role in Atalanta’s European campaign.
- Wilfred Ndidi – a mainstay in Leicester City’s midfield.
- Gift Orban – one of Nigeria’s emerging attacking talents.
Conclusion
The Nigeria Pitch Awards 2025 will once again highlight the best talents in Nigerian football, continuing its tradition of rewarding excellence and commitment to the sport. With a rigorous voting process and a strong reputation for fairness, the awards remain a benchmark of credibility in Nigerian sports.
As the nominees are set to be unveiled in Lagos, football fans, players, and stakeholders eagerly await to see which stars will be recognized this year. Stay tuned for the official announcement on February 20, 2025!
