Philips backs Nigerian football revival as Pitch Awards return

The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at the Ibis Hotel on Toyin Street in Ikeja, Lagos. The event will recognise winners in 18 categories as organisers maintain that Nigerian football can recover from its recent international setbacks.

Nigeria Pitch Awards president Shina Philips said the country’s players, national teams and leagues could reverse the current difficulties. He pointed to Nigerian footballers competing across Europe, America, Africa and other parts of the world as a reason for confidence in the sport’s future.

The ceremony was originally planned for an earlier date but was postponed. Philips said the award trophies and other preparations had already been completed, while circumstances outside the organisers’ plans caused the delay. He described the decision to stage the event now as a continued show of belief in Nigerian football.

The Nigeria Pitch Awards began in 2013 with the first ceremony held in Calabar. The organisers say the awards have been used to recognise players for their contributions to the development of the country’s football.

Ademola Lookman, the 2024 King of the Pitch winner, is nominated again in that category alongside Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Lookman and Osimhen will also compete with Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf for the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year.

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