Victor Osimhen of the Super Eagles and top scorer in the Italian Serie A, and Asisat Oshoala of FC Barcelona Femeni, were named King and Queen of the Pitch, respectively, at the 9th Award Ceremony of the Nigeria Pitch Awards on Friday at the Johnwood Hotel in Abuja.
Despite the Super Eagles’ shock loss to Guinea-Bissau earlier in the day at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, award organizers insisted on holding the colorful ceremony.
Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, stated at the well-attended ceremony that one shocking loss by the team should not overshadow the exploits and achievements of the players and the entire team.
‘The Eagles are ranked fifth in Africa; they have appeared in 19 AFCON finals and won three times. Since 1994, the Eagles have appeared in six World Cup finals.’
Further, Philips stated that Victor Osimhen had scored 21 goals in the extremely competitive Italian Serie A this season, while Asisat Oshoala had netted 18 goals in the Spanish Ladies Premier League. Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey have both contributed to their respective teams’ success.’
‘We also cannot overlook the accomplishments of our local coaches, administrators, football sponsors, and football journalists. These individuals have given their all and deserve to be identified, recognized, and honored. Philips concluded, “We have a lot to celebrate.”
AIG Aishatu Abubakar, the highest ranking female police officer in the NPF, AIG Olukayode Egbetokun, AIG Zone 7, members of the Super Eagles, representatives of SIAO Partners, Mr Alan and Mr Elli of Hawthorn Suites, and guests attended the Award Ceremony.
AC Omonoia Nicosia FC goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was named Goalkeeper of the Year, while AFC Ajax left-back Calvin Bassey was named Defender of the Year.
Alex Iwobi, who has averaged 39 passes per match with an 80% pass completion rate and 6 assists for his English Premier League club, Everton FC, was named Midfielder of the Year, while Victor Osimhen, the current Napoli FC goalkeeper, was named Striker of the Year Award for second season.
Rivers United, the defending NPFL champions and The Pride of Rivers, were named Team of the Year, while Stanley Eguma, one of the NPFL’s longest-serving coaches and Rivers United’s coach, was named Coach of the Year.
Seyi Akinwunmi, former NFF 1st Vice-President and organizer of the Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation Mini-Tournament, who won the Sam Okwaraji Award for commitment to Nigerian football last year, won it again this year.
