Osimhen, Iwobi, Nwabali, Others Emerge Winners At 2026 Nigeria Pitch Awards

Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali and Calvin Bassey were among the major winners at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards.

Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United FC, won the Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Fulham FC defender Calvin Bassey was named Defender of the Year.

Iwobi, also of Fulham FC, claimed the Midfielder of the Year award, while Galatasaray striker Osimhen won the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year.

Osimhen was also named King of the Pitch, while Paris Saint-Germain Féminine and Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade won the Queen of the Pitch award.

Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu was named Coach of the Year, while Remo Stars FC won the Team of the Year award.

Remo Stars chairman, Kunle Soname, received the Sam Okwaraji Award and also won the Sportsmanship Award.

The Nigeria Police Force and Niger Delta Development Commission received the Special Achievement in Sports Award.

Lagos State was named the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, while the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, won the Football Pitch of the Year award.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, was named Football Friendly Governor of the Year, while MTN Nigeria received the Corporate Sponsor of Football Award.

In the journalism categories, Charles Diya of New Telegraph Newspapers won Football Journalist of the Year – Print, while Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV emerged as the TV winner.

Anthony Bekederemo of Brila 88.9 FM won the Radio category, while Samuel Ahmadu was named Football Journalist of the Year – Online.

Kunle Soname, chairman of Remo Stars FC, was also recognised with the Sportsmanship Award.

The awards recognised individuals, teams, institutions and organisations for their contributions to Nigerian football and sports development.