New Award for Young Football Stars as Osimhen, Ajibade Shine

The Nigeria Pitch Awards will add a new Emerging Star category at its next event. This move aims to boost grassroots football and highlight Nigeria's best young talents.

Shina Philips, President of the Pitch Awards, shared this news at the 12th ceremony on Tuesday in Ikeja, Lagos. Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade were named the best Nigerian male and female players for 2025.

Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray in Turkey, was crowned King of the Pitch. Ajibade, now with Paris Saint-Germain in France, won the Queen of the Pitch award.

Osimhen also received the Rashidi Yekini Award for Striker of the Year, making it a great night for him.

The new Emerging Star Award is expected to be a big topic leading up to the next event. The organisers are focusing on players younger than 18 years.

“From the next edition, we will include a category named Emerging Star Award to identify and honour Nigeria’s most enterprising and promising football starlet. To win this award, a nominee must be under 18. This will add to the competitive spirit at the grassroots,” Philips explained.

This new category shows the awards' commitment to youth development. It will acknowledge young players making a difference at the grassroots level.

Other Super Eagles players were also celebrated at the event. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was named Goalkeeper of the Year. Fulham defender Calvin Bassey was awarded Defender of the Year, and his teammate Alex Iwobi took home the Midfielder of the Year award.

In coaching, Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu won Coach of the Year. He led the team to a record 10th WAFCON title in Morocco during the year.

The Nigeria Premier Football League champions for the 2024/25 season, Remo Stars, were named Team of the Year.

Kunle Soname, chairman of Bet9ja, received the Sam Okwaraji Award and the Sportsmanship Award. The Sam Okwaraji Award recognises those who show great commitment to Nigeria’s national teams.

The Special Achievement in Sports Award went to the Nigeria Police Force and the Niger Delta Development Commission. Lagos State was also praised for its Best Grassroots Football Development Programme.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was named Football Pitch of the Year. Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno was named Football Friendly Governor of the Year.

MTN Nigeria won the Corporate Sponsor of Football Award. In media, Charles Diya from New Telegraph was named Football Journalist of the Year, Print. Cecilia Omorogbe from Channels Television won the television category.

Anthony Bekederemo of Brila 88.9 FM was named Football Journalist of the Year, Radio. Samuel Ahmadu from Savid News/Nigeriafootball.ng won the online category.