Aiteo, Musa, Gov. Okowa, others make Nigeria Pitch Awards shortlist

Organizers of the prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards have announced AITEO Group, Nigeria’s leading energy solution and Premium Sponsor of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles trio of Ahmed Musa of Al-Nassr, Odion Ighalo of Shanghai Shenhua and Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City FC have been shortlisted for the Pitch Award for the 2018/19 edition of the awards. This announcement was made at media briefing in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, expressed gratitude of the organizers and award partners to all sport journalists, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and SIAO Partners for their support for the awards since 2013.

Philips stated that organizers were working on a plan to overhaul the organization specifically with a view to reducing the number of categories.

“We are planning a major reorganization with respect to the number of categories we have. By next edition, we will certainly have fewer categories. We believe this will make it easier for our voters to complete their votes,” Philips said.

Nneka Eneli, Head of Corporate Services who represented Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the Managing Partner of SIAO Partners said the shortlist of potential winners was drawn from the votes cast by sport journalists across the country between February and March 2019.

“Voting for the 6th edition of the awards took place between 1st February and 1st March 2019. We assure all voters of the Nigeria Pitch Awards that their votes have been adequately captured and the results you will get today are the wishes of all who voted. Let me stress again that the entire process was professionally handled by our team of accountants and auditors without any form of interference from the organizers or sponsors.” Eneli said.

Reeling out the list of nominees in all the categories, Toyin Ibitoye, Super Eagles Media Officer, stated that Nigeria Pitch Awards is noted for its transparency in the voting process. In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Ikechukwu Ezenwa of Katsina United FC, Theophilus Afelokhai of Enyimba F.C and Francis Odinaka Uzoho of Deportivo La Coruna/Anorthosis Famagusta were shortlisted. Brighton and Hove Albion FC defender, Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong of Udinese FC and Kenneth Omeruo of Leganés FC will compete for the defender of the year award.

Pitch awards voters have recognized the growing influence of Stoke City midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo by nominating him along with Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City and the only Gunner (Arsenal FC) in the Super Eagles, Alex Iwobi in the Midfielder of the Year category.

In the Striker of the Year category, former Kano Pillars striker, Junior Lokosa will sludge it out with Shanghai Shenhua striker Odion Ighalo and the Super Eagles vice-captain and Al-Nassr striker, Ahmed Musa.

In the women category, multiple award winner, Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona Ladies, Francisca Ordega of Shanghai shengli and Super Falcon new sensation, Rasheedat Ajibade of Avaldsnes IL will vie for the Queen of the Pitch award.