Osimhen, Ajibade Rule Nigeria Pitch Awards

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade stole the spotlight on Tuesday as they were crowned King and Queen of the Pitch at the Nigeria Pitch Awards for their outstanding exploits during the 2025 football season.

Osimhen, who stars for Turkish giants Galatasaray, and Ajibade of Paris Saint-Germain Féminine emerged tops after a college of voters comprising sports editors and journalists across Nigeria cast their ballots.

The star-studded ceremony, held at the Ibis Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, was a celebration of Nigerian football’s brightest talents and the coaches, administrators, stakeholders and journalists driving the game forward.

Osimhen fended off competition from Atalanta B.C. forward Ademola Lookman and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey to seize the coveted King of the Pitch crown.

Ajibade was equally impressive in the women’s category, beating Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto and Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion Women to the Queen of the Pitch title.

But Osimhen was not done.

The prolific striker completed a double on the night by winning the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year, beating Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf and Lookman.

Nwabali, Bassey, Iwobi Shine

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also emerged a big winner, claiming the Goalkeeper of the Year award ahead of Maduka Okoye and Kayode Bankole.

Bassey followed suit, taking the Defender of the Year prize after edging Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick.

Former Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu was named Coach of the Year, beating Daniel Ogunmodede and Finidi George, while Remo Stars were crowned Team of the Year.

Premier League centurion Alex Iwobi was voted Midfielder of the Year, beating Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi.

Soname Honoured

The Samuel Okwaraji Award went to Hon. Kunle Soname, founder of Bet9ja, who also picked up the Sportsmanship Award ahead of Bukola Olopade and former Nigeria National League chairman George Aluo.

The organisers also recognised individuals and institutions whose contributions extend beyond the pitch.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) received Special Recognition Awards, while Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno was honoured as Football-Friendly Governor of the Year.

The awards, organised by Lender Consult International Limited, once again provided a platform to celebrate the men and women whose talent, dedication and commitment continue to keep Nigerian football on the global map.