The two strikers have been rewarded for their fantastic performances for both club and country over the course of 2021
Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu lead a strong nominees list for the Nigeria Pitch Awards. The two players were nominated for Strikers of the year and King of the pitch.
Osimhen was also nominated for the Sam Okwaraji award- a prize given to Nigerian players and sports personalities for their positive contribution to society.
Organisers of the award revealed the nominees for this year ceremony at a press briefing in Lagos, with Osimhen and Onuachu receiving nominations in the two biggest categories.
Both players are currently injured and will miss the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, but they had an excellent 2021 for both club and country.
Osimhen was Nigeria’s top scorer in 2021 with four goals, while he also scored 17 goals for Napoli in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Onuachu finished as the Belgian Jupiler League top scorer with a record-breaking 35 goals in the 2020/2021 campaign.
Other players nominated include Wilfred Ndidi, Maduka Okoye, Asisat Oshoala and many others.
Speaking at the press briefing, the president of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Mr Shina Philips, revealed that the organisation will always continue to help develop sports in Nigeria.
“At our inaugural press conference in 2012, we stated that the Nigeria Pitch Awards platform would offer Nigerians more than awards to deserving footballers.”
“In continuing with this vision to offer more to improve sports in Nigeria, we are pleased to announce an annual symposium on sports.”
“The symposium, which will precede the annual Award Ceremony, will attract local and international speakers.”
“Our vision is to make the gathering a unique opportunity to renew and re-focus national attention on sports in Nigeria and open up avenues for administrators to harness the opportunities sports provide.”
“We will outline more details of this project in the coming months.”
Goalkeeper of the Year
Daniel Akpeyi – Super Eagles & Kaizer Chiefs
John Noble – Super Eagles & Enyimba FC
Maduka Emilio Okoye – Super Eagles & Sparta Rotterdam FC
Defender of the Year
Olisa Ndah – Super Eagles & Orlando Pirates FC
William Troost-Ekong – Super Eagles & Watford FC
Leon Balogun – Super Eagles & Rangers FC
Midfielder of the Year
Joe Aribo – Super Eagles & Rangers FC
Frank Onyeka – Super Eagles & Brentford FC
Wilfred Ndidi – Super Eagles & Leicester City FC
Striker of the Year
Kelechi Iheanacho – Super Eagles & Leicester City FC
Victor Osimhen – Super Eagles & Napoli FC
Paul Onuachu – Super Eagles & KRC Genk
Team of the Year
Bayelsa United
Rivers United
Akwa United
Coach of the Year
Diepreye Teibowei – Bayelsa United
Edwin Okon – Rivers Angels FC
Kennedy Boboye – Akwa United
Sam Okwaraji Award
Victor Osimhen – Super Eagles & Napoli FC
Seyi Akinwunmi – First Vice President, NFF
Asisat Oshoala – Super Eagles & FC Barcelona Femini
State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme
Edo State
Lagos State
Delta State
Football Friendly Governor of the Year
His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Lagos State
His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa – Delta State
His Excellency Nyesom Wike CON – Rivers State
Football Pitch of the Year Award
Godswill Akpabio Stadium – Uyo
Mobolaji Johnson Stadium – Onikan
Teslim Balogun Stadium – Surulere
Corporate Sponsor of Football Award
Air Peace – Aviation
MTN – Telecommunications
AITEO Group – Oil & Gas
Football Journalist of the Year Award – Print
Charles Diya – The New Telegraph
Kelvin Ekerete – Punch Newspapers
Johnny Edwards – Punch Newspapers
Football Journalist of the Year Award – Radio
Emmanuel Etim – Nigeria Info FM
Tony Bekederemo – Sports Radio 88.9 Brila FM
Olawale Adigun – Top Radio 90.9 FM
Football Journalist of the Year Award – TV
Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke – SuperSport
Miyen Akiri – TVC
Cecilia Omorogbe – Channels TV
Football Journalist of the Year Award – Online
Fisayo Dairo – ACL Sports
Shina Oludare – Goal.com
Tobi Samuel Adepoju – Oganlamedia
Queen of the Pitch
Gift Monday -Super Falcons & FC Robo/Rivers Angels
Asisat Oshoala – Super Eagles & FC Barcelona Femini
Uchenna Kalu – Super Eagles & Linkopings FC
King of the Pitch
Victor Osimhen – Super Eagles & Napoli FC
Wilfred Ndidi – Super Eagles & Leicester City FC
Paul Onuachu – Super Eagles & KRC Genk
