Osimhen, Lookman renew rivalry as Nigeria Pitch Awards nominees drop

The organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards have announced the nominees for the 2025 edition of the ceremony. Top Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, and Ademola Lookman are leading the nominations for the biggest prize, King of the Pitch (Men).

Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, is nominated for the award for the third year in a row and the fourth time overall. He won the award in 2022 and also claimed it in the last two editions. Ademola Lookman is also in strong contention, hoping to win the prize for the second time after his victory in 2023.

Calvin Bassey, who plays for Fulham, is seeking his first win after an impressive season at club and international level.

In the Queen of the Pitch (Women) category, Super Falcons stars Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Esther Okoronkwo were nominated for their excellent performances for their clubs and the national team.

The nominees were announced at a stakeholders’ luncheon held on Tuesday at the Johnwood Hotel in Abuja. The event was attended by football administrators, sponsors, sports editors, members of the voting panel, and media representatives.

For Goalkeeper of the Year, Udinese’s Maduka Okoye will compete against Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United and Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars.

The Midfielder of the Year nominees are Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika. In the Defender of the Year category, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, and Ola Aina were shortlisted.

Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Yusuf Anas are nominated for Striker of the Year.

For Coach of the Year, the nominees are Daniel Ogunmodede of Remo Stars, Finidi George of Rivers United, and Justin Madugu, who led the Super Falcons to victory at WAFCON 2024.

Remo Stars, Rivers United, and the Super Falcons are competing for Team of the Year.

Other categories include Football Pitch of the Year, with Godswill Akpabio Stadium and Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta nominated. BetNaija is shortlisted for Corporate Sponsor of Football, while Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State are nominated for Football Friendly Governor.

The organisers also announced the return of the Rashidi Yekini Award, which will be given to the highest goal scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Looking ahead to the 12th edition of the awards, organisers Lenders Consult International revealed plans to introduce an annual sports conference that will hold alongside the awards ceremony.

Nigeria Pitch Awards President, Shina Phillips, said the conference is meant to expand the impact of the awards by encouraging discussion, cooperation, and investment in Nigerian sports.

The Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, December 22, 2025, and will honour outstanding Nigerian footballers, coaches, administrators, sponsors, and journalists for their contributions over the past year.