By Odita Sunday
President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, has urged football stakeholders and the media to give their backing to President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in the country’s football administration.
Philips said the reforms could help address some of the challenges confronting Nigerian football if they were pursued with transparency, accountability and a commitment to professionalism.
He spoke on Tuesday in Lagos at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony, which brought together players, coaches, administrators, officials and other stakeholders in the Nigerian football community.
According to Philips, the reform process presents an opportunity to change the way football is administered in the country and restore greater confidence among stakeholders.
“The ongoing reforms within the relevant regulatory institutions present both opportunities and responsibilities,” he said.
“Reform, by its very nature, demands courage, transparency, accountability, and a willingness to embrace better ways of doing things.”
Philips also appealed to the media to play its part in the process, describing it as the “powerful Fourth Estate of the Realm”.
He said the ultimate goal should be an administration that protects the interests of stakeholders, encourages professionalism and transparency, and provides a better environment for football talents to flourish.
While the call for reforms dominated his remarks, the ceremony also provided an opportunity to celebrate some of the individuals and organisations making their mark in Nigerian football.
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen was among the biggest winners of the night, taking home both the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year and the King of the Pitch award.
Alex Iwobi was named Midfielder of the Year, while Calvin Bassey won Defender of the Year and Stanley Nwabali emerged Goalkeeper of the Year.
Rasheedat Ajibade was named Queen of the Pitch, while Justine Madugu won the Coach of the Year award for his work with the Super Falcons.
Remo Stars were named Team of the Year.
The awards also recognised contributions beyond the pitch. Kunle Soname, chairman of Remo Stars, received the Sam Okwaraji Award as well as the Sportsmanship Award.
The Nigeria Police Force and the Niger Delta Development Commission received the Special Achievement in Sports Award.
Lagos State was recognised for its grassroots football development programme, while the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo was named Football Pitch of the Year.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, received the Football Friendly Governor of the Year award, while MTN Nigeria was honoured as Corporate Sponsor of Football.
In the journalism categories, Charles Diya of New Telegraph won the Print award, Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels Television took the Television award, Anthony Bekederemo of Brila 88.9 FM won in the Radio category, while Samuel Ahmadu of Savid News/Nigeriafootball.ng emerged winner in the Online category.
Looking ahead, Philips announced a new category for the next edition of the awards the Emerging Star Award which will recognise Nigeria’s most promising footballer under the age of 18.
He said the initiative was aimed at encouraging young talents and strengthening grassroots football development.
Voting for the 2026 edition, he added, will begin in December, while the 13th Pitch Awards ceremony, scheduled for 2027, will be preceded by a symposium.
Philips explained that Tuesday’s ceremony was for the 2025 edition of the awards after the event was postponed from its original date.
He also defended the credibility of the voting process, saying winners are selected by a College of Voters made up of sports editors from across the country.
According to him, the voting pattern will be made public after the ceremony to give nominees and voters an opportunity to see how the votes were recorded.
Despite the rising cost of organising the annual event, Philips said the organisers had remained committed to celebrating those contributing to the development of Nigerian football.
He cited increased expenses for logistics, production and publicity among the challenges facing the awards.
The Pitch Awards president thanked the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, SIAO Partners and the Nigerian media for their continued support.
About the Author
