Osimhen, Lookman lead nominations for 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

Nigeria’s Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Player of the Year, headline the nominations for the 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards.

Lookman, who played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s 2024 UEFA Europa League triumph, will battle alongside Osimhen (Napoli) and Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) for the Best Striker Award at the 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Award.

The King of the Pitch category features Osimhen, Lookman, and Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), who was named MVP at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In the women’s category, five-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA) will compete against Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade (Atlético Madrid Femenino, Spain) and Africa’s top female goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France) for the Queen of the Pitch award.

For the Goalkeeper of the Year, the nominees include: Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa) and Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria).

Since its inception in 2013, the Nigeria Pitch Awards has maintained high standards in recognizing individual and team achievements in Nigerian football through a scientific voting process, according to the organisers.

President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Phillips, stated that the awards aim to motivate nominees and winners to strive for higher levels of commitment.

“Awards are generally organized to recognize industry, commitment, loyalty and excellence,” Phillips said.

“The Nigeria Pitch Awards, in the last decade, has continued to demonstrate faith in the ability of Nigerian players and stakeholders.

“Our footballers and national teams have achieved continental and global success, but they can still go further, break records, and set new benchmarks.”

Ademola Olajire, the Nigeria Football Federation’s Communications Director, highlighted the significance and growth of the awards over the past 11 years.

“11 is a magic number—11 players make a football team. We pray for the Almighty to elevate the Nigeria Pitch Awards even higher.”

The Nigeria Pitch Awards continues to celebrate the best of Nigerian football, recognizing outstanding players, coaches, and stakeholders shaping the sport’s future.