Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali and Calvin Bassey were among the standout recipients at the 2026 Nigeria Pitch Awards, which celebrated outstanding contributions to Nigerian football.
Galatasaray forward Osimhen claimed two of the night’s major honours. He was presented with the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year and also took home the prestigious King of the Pitch award.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was recognised as Goalkeeper of the Year, following his performances between the posts, while Fulham defender Calvin Bassey emerged as the Defender of the Year.
Iwobi, Bassey’s Fulham teammate, was named Midfielder of the Year, adding another individual honour to his growing list of achievements.
In the women’s category, Paris Saint-Germain Féminine and Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade was crowned Queen of the Pitch.
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu was also honoured as Coach of the Year, while Remo Stars FC received the Team of the Year award.
Remo Stars chairman Kunle Soname had a memorable night after receiving the Sam Okwaraji Award and also being recognised with the Sportsmanship Award.
The Nigeria Police Force and the Niger Delta Development Commission were presented with the Special Achievement in Sports Award for their contributions to sports development.
Lagos State won the award for 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 received the Football Friendly Governor of the Year honour, while MTN Nigeria was recognised as the Corporate Sponsor of Football.
The journalism categories also produced winners across print, television, radio and online platforms. Charles Diya of New Telegraph Newspapers won Football Journalist of the Year – Print, while Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV took the television category.
Anthony Bekederemo of Brila 88.9 FM emerged as the Radio Football Journalist of the Year, while Samuel Ahmadu won the online journalism category.
The 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards brought together players, coaches, clubs, government institutions, corporate organisations and media professionals, recognising their various roles in advancing football and sports development in the country.
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