NPFL scorer Anas joins Osimhen, Lookman in 2026 Pitch Awards race

Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf has been nominated for the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards. The NPFL’s leading scorer will compete with Nigeria internationals Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman for the honour.

Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, and Lookman, of Atlético de Madrid, bring established international profiles to the shortlist. Anas’ nomination gives the domestic league’s leading scorer a place in a contest featuring two of Nigeria’s most prominent forwards abroad.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at the Ibis Hotel on Toyin Street in Ikeja, Lagos. It had originally been planned for an earlier date, but the 12th edition was postponed despite the organisers having prepared the trophies and other arrangements.

The ceremony will present prizes in 18 categories. Lookman, who won the 2024 King of the Pitch award, is also shortlisted in that category alongside Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Osimhen. The King of the Pitch contest is separate from the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year.

The women’s Queen of the Pitch shortlist features Brighton & Hove Albion Women goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, AFC Toronto forward Esther Okoronkwo and Paris Saint-Germain Féminine player Rasheedat Ajibade. The Football Friendly Governor of the Year award will be contested by Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun and Akwa Ibom State governor Umo Eno.

Nigeria Pitch Awards president Shina Phillips said the ceremony reflects the organisers’ continued belief in Nigerian football and the need to recognise players’ contributions to its development. The awards began with their first edition in Calabar in 2013, while the 12th ceremony will now take place after the scheduling delay.