Ademola Lookman has cemented his status as one of Africa’s finest footballers by winning the 2024/2025 King of the Pitch award at the Nigeria Pitch Awards held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The Super Eagles and Atalanta BC forward also claimed the Striker of the Year award at the prestigious event, which marked its 11th edition. The ceremony took place at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, following the World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Rasheedat Ajibade, a standout performer for the Super Falcons and Atlético de Madrid Femenino, was named Queen of the Pitch, further cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s finest female footballers.
The awards recognized top performers across various categories in Nigerian football. Stanley Nwabali, Chippa United’s shot-stopper, was named Goalkeeper of the Year, outshining Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who plays for Al-Kholood FC, secured his fourth Defender of the Year title, beating Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey.
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi claimed the Midfielder of the Year award, fending off competition from Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City and Frank Onyema of FC Augsburg.
The Coach of the Year award went to Fidelis Ilechukwu, the mastermind behind Rangers International FC’s success, while his team was also named Team of the Year.
Businessman and football enthusiast Kunle Soname was honored with the Sam Okwaraji Award for his commitment to Nigerian football, winning ahead of former Super Eagles star Segun Odegbami and ex-captain Ahmed Musa.
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In grassroots football development, Lagos State emerged as the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, while Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo was named Football Pitch of the Year.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno was recognized as the Football Friendly Governor of the Year, celebrating his contributions to the sport’s growth in the region.
Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria retained its Corporate Sponsor of Football Award, reinforcing its support for Nigerian football.
The media category also saw several journalists honored for their contributions to sports reporting. Winners included:
- Charles Diya (New Telegraph Newspapers) – Football Journalist of the Year – Print
- Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV) – Football Journalist of the Year – TV
- Tony Bekederemo (Brila FM) – Football Journalist of the Year – Radio
- Samuel Ahmadu (Savid News) – Football Journalist of the Year – Online
Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, emphasized the organizers’ dedication to honoring footballers and administrators despite challenges. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Eagles and other national teams, ensuring the growth of the sport at all levels.
With an evening celebrating excellence, dedication, and impact in Nigerian football, the Nigeria Pitch Awards once again highlighted the nation’s finest talents while reinforcing its role in shaping the future of the game.
NAN
