…MTN Retains Corporate Sponsor of Football Award
Super Eagles forward and Atalanta BC star, Ademola Lookman, emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 11th Nigeria Pitch Awards, claiming both the Striker of the Year and the coveted King of the Pitch award. The prestigious ceremony took place at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, shortly after the Super Eagles’ FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Zimbabwe.
Also making headlines was Super Falcons and Atlético de Madrid Femenino star, Rasheedat Ajibade, who was crowned Queen of the Pitch, solidifying her reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest female footballers.
The event, aimed at recognizing excellence in Nigerian football, brought together players, coaches, administrators, journalists, and football stakeholders.
Pitch Awards President Pledges Continued Support for Nigerian Football
Welcoming guests and award recipients, the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Mr. Shina Philips, reaffirmed the organizers’ commitment to sustaining the prestige and core values of the awards despite various challenges. He emphasized the importance of continuously honoring Nigeria’s footballers and administrators, while also urging Nigerians to support the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, and all national teams.
Nwabali, Troost-Ekong, and Iwobi Among Big Winners
In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United emerged victorious, fending off competition from Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong secured his fourth Defender of the Year award, beating Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey to the prize.
In the midfield category, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, who has been in top form this season, clinched the Midfielder of the Year award ahead of Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and FC Augsburg’s Frank Onyema. This marks Iwobi’s third time winning the award.
Kunle Soname, Rangers International, and MTN Also Recognized
A highlight of the ceremony was the Sam Okwaraji Award for Commitment to Nigerian Football, which went to Hon. Kunle Soname of Bet9ja, marking his second win in the category. He edged out Nigerian ex-international Segun Odegbami and former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa.
MTN Nigeria retained its title as Corporate Sponsor of Football, underscoring its continued contributions to the development of the sport in the country.
In the coaching category, Rangers International head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, was named Coach of the Year, while Rangers International FC took home the Team of the Year award.
Journalists Honored for Contributions to Football Reporting
The awards also recognized outstanding football journalism across various media platforms:
- Football Journalist of the Year – Online: Samuel Ahmadu (Savid News)
- Football Journalist of the Year – Print: Charles Diya (New Telegraph Newspapers)
- Football Journalist of the Year – TV: Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV)
- Football Journalist of the Year – Radio: Anthony Bekederemo (Brila 88.9 FM)
Governor Umo Eno Recognized for Grassroots Football Development
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State was honored with the Football-Friendly Governor of the Year award for his administration’s contributions to football development in the state. Lagos State also won State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, highlighting its efforts in youth football development.
Additionally, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium was named Football Pitch of the Year, cementing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s top football venues.
Full List of Winners – 2024 Nigeria Pitch Awards
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper of the Year | Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United) |
| Defender of the Year | William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC) |
| Midfielder of the Year | Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC) |
| Striker of the Year | Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC) |
| Team of the Year | Rangers International FC |
| Coach of the Year | Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers Intl FC) |
| Sam Okwaraji Award | Hon. Kunle Soname (Bet9ja) |
| State with Best Grassroots Football Dev. Programme | Lagos State |
| Football Pitch of the Year | Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium |
| Football-Friendly Governor of the Year | His Excellency, Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State) |
| Corporate Sponsor of Football Award | MTN Nigeria |
| Sportsmanship Award | Hon. Kunle Soname (Chairman, Remo Stars) |
| Football Journalist of the Year – Print | Charles Diya (New Telegraph Newspapers) |
| Football Journalist of the Year – TV | Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV) |
| Football Journalist of the Year – Radio | Anthony Bekederemo (Brila 88.9 FM) |
| Football Journalist of the Year – Online | Samuel Ahmadu (Savid News) |
| Queen of the Pitch | Rasheedat Ajibade (Atlético de Madrid Femenino) |
| King of the Pitch | Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC) |
The 2024 Nigeria Pitch Awards celebrated excellence across all aspects of Nigerian football, from players and coaches to administrators, sponsors, and media professionals. With an increasing level of competition and recognition, the event continues to reinforce its position as a premier football awards ceremony in the country.
