President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, is sure that Nigerian football will bounce back from its recent troubles. He believes the country will regain its status among Africa’s top football nations.
Mr Philips spoke in Abuja on Monday. He made the comments as the organisers of the annual Nigeria Pitch Awards announced that the 12th edition of the awards will take place on 8 September at the Ibis Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
His remarks follow a tough time for Nigeria’s national teams. The Super Eagles and Super Falcons have both faced challenges in their recent World Cup qualification campaigns.
Despite these setbacks, Mr Philips pointed out that the talent of Nigerian players in leagues around the world gives hope.
“We have absolute confidence in our footballers who are doing well in various leagues across Europe, America, Africa, and other parts of the world,” he said.
He added that going ahead with the 12th edition of the awards shows the organisers’ belief in Nigerian football and its players.
“Hosting the 12th Awards Ceremony at this time is a demonstration of our faith in Nigerian football. Since 2013, when we held our first edition in Calabar, we have shown Nigerians that our players deserve commendations and encouragement for their selfless, patriotic contributions to the growth of our football,” Mr Philips said.
The awards ceremony was supposed to happen earlier this year but was postponed. Mr Philips apologised for the delay. He explained that while the trophies and other arrangements were ready, some issues made it necessary to change the date.
“All necessary logistics, including the award statuettes, have been in place, but the awards themselves could not be held as earlier scheduled,” he said.
The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards will have 18 categories, with many Super Eagles and Super Falcons players nominated.
For the King of the Pitch award, nominees include Atlético de Madrid forward Ademola Lookman, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
Lookman and Osimhen are also in the running for the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year. They will compete against Anas Yusuf from Wolaita Dicha FC.
The Queen of the Pitch award will feature Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie from Brighton & Hove Albion Women, Esther Okoronkwo from AFC Toronto, and Rasheedat Ajibade from Paris Saint-Germain.
Other categories include Goalkeeper, Defender, Midfielder, Team, Coach, Sportsmanship, Corporate Sponsor, and Football Journalist of the Year across print, television, radio, and online platforms.
Remo Stars, Rivers United, and the Super Falcons are in the running for Team of the Year. Daniel Ogunmodede, Finidi George, and Justin Madugu are nominated for Coach of the Year.
For the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, Delta, Kwara, and Lagos states are the nominees.
The Football Pitch of the Year category includes the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, and the Remo Stars Stadium in Remo.
Governors of Lagos, Ogun, and Akwa Ibom are nominated for Football Friendly Governor of the Year.
The awards ceremony is set to bring together football administrators, players, coaches, government officials, corporate organisations, and media members to celebrate contributions to Nigerian football.
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