The sixth edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, which held in Asaba, saw Ighalo, Ahmed and Wilfred Ndidi, among many others win awards.
Ahmed Musa was named King of the Pitch for his brace against Iceland which apparently handed the Super Eagles their first and only victory at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.
Francisca Ordega was named Queen of the Pitch for the key role she played in ensuring the Super Falcons were African champions for a record ninth time
Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who represented the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, commended the organisers of the awards, while reiterating his full support for the country’s "football house for the Pitch Awards."
The list of winners in full
Goalkeeper of the Year: Francis Uzoho
Defender of the Year: William Troost-Ekong
Midfielder of the Year: Wilfred Ndidi
Striker of the Year: Odion Ighalo
MVP in NPFL: Junior Lokosa
MVP in the NWFL: Rasheedat Ajibade
Queen of the Pitch: Francisca Ordega
King of the Pitch: Ahmed Musa
Coach of the Year: Gbenga Ogunbote
Club of the Year: Enugu Rangers
National Team of the Year: Super Falcons
Referee of the Year: Adebimpe Quadri
Sam Okwaraji Awards: Seyi Akinwunmi
State with the Best Grassroots Football Dev. Prog: Lagos State
Football Friendly Gov. of the Year: Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa
Football Journalist of the Year (Print): Johnny Edwards
Football Journalist of the Year (Radio): Tony Bekederemo
Football Journalist of the Year (TV): Mozez Praiz
Football Journalist of the Year (Online): Samuel Ahmadu
Corporate Sponsor of Football: AITEO Group
Shina Philips, president of the awards, expressed gratitude to the NFF and Delta State government for their backing in giving Nigerians a transparent and credible award.
“We will continue to do what is right because we believe our players need to be motivated by a transparent and credible reward system which will see them earn the respect of everyone in the football community,” Mr. Philips said.
