In an elaborate ceremony held at Oriental Hotels Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, Wilfred Ndidi and Onome Ebi picked up the two major awards at the Baller Awards on Sunday evening.
Ndidi was named the best men’s player of the year, while Ebi was named the best women’s player of the year, beating Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade and Francisca Ordega to the award.
Ndidi who was not present at the award show thanked fans who voted for him and organizers of the awards. In a video that was shown at the ceremony, he revealed he could not be present for the show due to club engagements.
He also revealed he couldn’t have won the award without the help of his teammates both at Leicester City and in the National team.
Meanwhile, Ebi expressed her happiness after winning the award especially in a time defenders are not recognised. The veteran of five world cups revealed she didn’t expect to win, but wants to give thanks to God for making it possible.
The Chinese based defender also hinted she may still represent the Falcons at the 2023 World Cup before retiring from the National team.
Meanwhile, other winners at the award include William Troost Ekong who was named defender of the year, Daniel Akpeyi (Goalkeeper Of the Year), Paul Onuachu (Goal of the year), Odion Ighalo (Humanitarian and forward of the year), and Thomas Dennerby (Coach of the year).
Larry Izamoje was named the Icon of the year, while Mohammed’s Sulieman beat Soccernet’s Oluwajoba Ogunwale to the football journalist of the year award.
Personalities present at the Award include NFF first vice-president, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, former Super Eagles star Mutiu Adepoju, Deji Omotoyinbo, Super Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye.