Nigerian Stars Lookman, Bassey, Osimhen Battle for ‘King of the Pitch’ Crown

The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Ibis Hotel on Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos, with 18 categories recognizing outstanding contributions to Nigerian football.

The headline King of the Pitch category will see 2024 winner Ademola Lookman compete against Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, while Chiamaka Nnadozie, Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade contend for the Queen of the Pitch award. The Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker will also feature Lookman, Osimhen and Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf.

Other categories include Goalkeeper, Defender, Midfielder, Team and Coach of the Year, alongside the Sam Okwaraji Award, Football Pitch of the Year and Football Friendly Governor of the Year. Remo Stars, Rivers United and the Super Falcons are nominated for Team of the Year, while Daniel Ogunmodede, Finidi George and Justin Madugu compete for Coach of the Year.

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun and Umo Eno are nominated for Football Friendly Governor of the Year, while Dr. Shina Philips said the ceremony remains a reaffirmation of confidence in Nigerian football despite recent setbacks involving some national teams.

Philips also apologized for the earlier postponement of the ceremony, noting that preparations, including the award statuettes, had been completed before unforeseen circumstances caused the delay.

Since its inaugural edition in Calabar in 2013, the Nigeria Pitch Awards has recognized players, coaches, administrators, journalists, sponsors and other stakeholders whose contributions have shaped Nigerian football.