Dr Shina Philips, president of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, has expressed confidence that Nigerian football can recover from its recent setbacks and return to a stronger position on the international stage.
Philips said Nigeria remains blessed with talented players competing across major leagues in Europe, Africa, America and other parts of the world, insisting that the quality of the country’s footballers provides reason for optimism.
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Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Philips said the national teams and domestic leagues have the capacity to reverse the recent decline and restore Nigeria’s football fortunes.
“We have absolute confidence in our footballers who are doing well in various leagues across Europe, America, Africa and other parts of the world,” Philips said.
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Pitch Awards to celebrate Nigerian football
As a further demonstration of his confidence in the sport, Philips announced that the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards will now take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Ibis Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
The ceremony had initially been scheduled to hold earlier in the year but was postponed.
Philips said staging the awards at a time when Nigerian football is facing significant challenges demonstrates the organisers’ continued belief in the country’s players and the future of the sport.
“Hosting the 12th Awards Ceremony at this time is a demonstration of our faith in Nigerian football,” Philips said.
“Since 2013, when we held our maiden 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.”
He apologised for the delay in holding the ceremony, explaining that the organisers had completed preparations but were forced to postpone the event because of unforeseen circumstances.
“All necessary logistics, including the award statuettes, have been in place, but the awards could not be held as earlier scheduled,” he said.
Lookman, Osimhen, Bassey in contention
The 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards will feature 18 categories, with some of Nigeria’s leading footballers competing for the top individual honours.
In the King of the Pitch category, 2024 winner Ademola Lookman of Atletico Madrid will face competition from Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
Lookman and Osimhen will also battle Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf for the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year.
The Queen of the Pitch award is set for another competitive contest involving Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion Women, Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto and Rasheedat Ajibade of Paris Saint-Germain.
The Football Friendly Governor of the Year category will see Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno compete for the award.
For Philips, the awards provide an opportunity to recognise the contributions of players, officials and other stakeholders while reinforcing confidence in the future of Nigerian football.
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
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