Osimhen, Lookman, other Nigerian stars battle for top honours at Nigeria Pitch Awards

• Lookman, Osimhen, and Victor Boniface are expected to vie for the Striker of the Year award
• The 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards is set to take place on March 25, 2025, immediately after the Super Eagles vs. Zimbabwe game in Akwa Ibom state
• Notably, Shehu Dikko, former NFF Vice President, and AIG Garba Baba Umar (Retd.), a security expert, will receive the Special Achievement in Sports Award for their contributions to Nigerian sports

The annually anticipated Nigeria Pitch Awards is scheduled to take place on March 25, immediately after the Super Eagles' crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. 

The event Organisers have confirmed that the prestigious award ceremony will be hosted at the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, marking the 11th edition of the highly respected football awards.

According to Shina Philips, the president of the awards, this year’s edition will not only celebrate the best footballers and stakeholders in Nigerian football but will also recognise two distinguished individuals for their contributions to the country’s sports development.

One of the honorees for the Special Achievement in Sports Award is Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission. 

Shina Philips explained Dikko’s contributions, stating that before 2011, he served as a consultant to the sports committee of the House of Representatives and played a key role in drafting the National Sports Commission (NSC) Bill. 

Furthermore, he held the position of second vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) from 2014 to 2022.

Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Garba Baba Umar, will also be recognised for his extensive involvement in securing Nigerian teams during major tournaments. 

Philips recalled that Umar played an ad-hoc role as Chairman of the NFF Security Committee during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. 

He also served as Chief Detail for Team Nigeria at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. His expertise in security has been instrumental in ensuring safe match environments for Nigerian national teams and clubs across the country.

Importantly, the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards will see football stars go head-to-head in various categories. The prestigious King of the Pitch award will feature a tough contest between Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, and Al-Kholood FC defender William Troost-Ekong.

For the Queen of the Pitch award, three outstanding female players, Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala, Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Atlético de Madrid Femenino winger Rasheedat Ajibade, will battle for the top honour.

The Football Friendly Governor of the Year category will also be keenly contested, with Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Akwa Ibom State governor Pastor Umo Eno; and former governor of Edo State Godwin Obaseki in the running.

In the Striker of the Year category, Ademola Lookman faces strong competition from Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen. 

Meanwhile, the Best Corporate Sponsor of Football award will be decided between GTI Financial, MTN Nigeria, and Bet9ja Limited.

Iwobi shines as Fulham extend unbeaten streak to 9 matches, celebrates with Nigerian delicacy

Previously, TheRadar reported that Premier League side Fulham delivered a resounding 4-1 victory over Watford at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, January 9, to secure their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup. 

Nigerian international Alex Iwobi was at the heart of the action, as he displayed his creativity with several final third passes in midfield before being substituted in the 66th minute. 

Post-match, Iwobi shared a glimpse of his celebratory mood by posting a video of himself preparing to enjoy fufu and egusi soup while singing a popular gospel song.