Picnews
Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali and Calvin Bassey emerged among the top honourees at the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.
Nwabali, who features for Chippa United FC, was crowned Goalkeeper of the Year, while Fulham FC defender Calvin Bassey won the Defender of the Year category.
Iwobi, also of Fulham FC, received the Midfielder of the Year award, while Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen claimed the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year.
Osimhen was further recognised as the King of the Pitch, while Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade of Paris Saint-Germain Féminine was named Queen of the Pitch.
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu won the Coach of the Year award, while Remo Stars FC was honoured as the Team of the Year.
The chairman of Remo Stars, Kunle Soname, received the Sam Okwaraji Award and was also recognised with the Sportsmanship Award for his contributions to football development.
The Nigeria Police Force and Niger Delta Development Commission were recipients of the Special Achievement in Sports Award.
Lagos State won the award for the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, while the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was named Football Pitch of the Year.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, was honoured as Football Friendly Governor of the Year, while MTN Nigeria emerged winner of the Corporate Sponsor of Football Award.
In the media categories, Charles Diya of New Telegraph Newspapers won Football Journalist of the Year (Print), Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels Television emerged winner in the TV category, Anthony Bekederemo of Brila 88.9 FM won the Radio category, and Samuel Ahmadu was named Football Journalist of the Year (Online).
The Nigeria Pitch Awards recognised outstanding players, coaches, teams, organisations and individuals for their contributions to the growth and development of football in Nigeria.
