June 16, (THEWILL)- The 2024 Nigeria Pitch Awards held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State was a night to remember as it celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Nigeria’s finest football talents. Among the stars who shone the brightest was Victor Osimhen, the Napoli and Super Eagles forward, who made history by winning the Striker of the Year and King of the Pitch awards for an unprecedented third consecutive year. This remarkable feat cements Osimhen’s status as one of Nigerian football’s most prolific and consistent goal scorers.
Osimhen’s journey to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. His rise from the streets of Lagos to the pinnacle of European football, which peaked with his winning the capocannoniere award in Serie A as the first African to do so, is a testament to his incredible work ethic, determination, and raw talent. In the 2023/2024 season, Osimhen played a pivotal role in leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, ending the club’s long wait for domestic glory. His goal-scoring skills, lightning-quick pace, and intelligent movement off the ball have made him a nightmare for defenders across Italy and Europe.
To win the Striker of the Year and King of the Pitch awards, Osimhen had to fend off stiff competition from his compatriot Victor Boniface, who enjoyed an unbeaten run with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, as well as Robert Mizo of Bayelsa United and Emeka Obiora of Enyimba International FC. However, Osimhen’s consistent performances, both for club and country, set him apart from his rivals. His ability to score crucial goals in high-pressure situations and his leadership qualities on and off the pitch have endeared him to fans and pundits alike. There are many who believe Nigeria’s sorry World Cup qualifying story so far could have been different with an in-form Osimhen leading the forward line.
Alongside Osimhen, another Nigerian football icon who stole the show at the Nigeria Pitch Awards was Asisat Oshoala. The ex-Barcelona Femení forward, widely regarded as the Queen of African football, claimed the Queen of the Pitch award, edging out Rasheedat Ajibade of Atlético de Madrid Femenino and Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Oshoala’s success is a reflection of her incredible talent, hard work, and dedication to the beautiful game.
Oshoala’s journey to the top of women’s football has been an inspiration to aspiring young girls across Africa. Her speed, skill, and clinical finishing made her a force to reckon with in the Spanish Liga F and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. In the 2023/2024 season, Oshoala played a crucial role in helping Barcelona Femení defend their domestic and European titles, cementing their status as one of the most dominant teams in women’s football history. On February 1, Barca and Bay FC revealed that Oshoala had signed with Bay FC. In her NWSL debut, Oshoala netted Bay FC’s inaugural goal in a 1-0 win over Angel City.
Oshoala’s influence extends beyond the pitch, as she has become a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in sport. Her efforts to promote the growth of women’s football in Nigeria and across Africa have been instrumental in breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. As a role model and ambassador for the game, Oshoala continues to inspire a new generation of female footballers who dream of following in her footsteps.
In the coaching category, Finidi George, the legendary former Super Eagles winger, was honoured as the Coach of the Year for his remarkable work with Enyimba International FC. George, who was part of Nigeria’s golden generation that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1996 Olympic Games, has transitioned into coaching, and was accorded plaudits for bringing his wealth of experience and tactical acumen to the dugout for the People’s Elephant.
Under George’s guidance, Enyimba finished top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the previous season, playing a brand of football that was both entertaining and effective. George’s ability to motivate his players, implement a clear playing philosophy, and adapt to different opponents set him apart from his peers. His success with Enyimba was a testament to his coaching skills and his potential to become one of Nigeria’s most successful managers in the years to come but that was until his adventure as first interim coach of the Super Eagles and then substantive head coach. The inability of his team to comprehensively execute their mandate, despite the talents available has cast a long shadow on this potential.
The 2024 Nigeria Pitch Awards also recognised the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations working tirelessly behind the scenes to develop and promote Nigerian football. The prestigious Sam Okwaraji Award, named after the late Nigerian footballer who tragically died while representing his country, was bestowed upon Kunle Soname, the visionary chairman of Remo Stars FC. Soname’s dedication to grassroots football development and his investment in state-of-the-art facilities have transformed Remo Stars into a model club in Nigerian football.
Lagos State, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was acknowledged as the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme. Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to providing opportunities for young footballers to hone their skills and realise their potential has been exemplary. The governor’s support for youth football competitions, coaching education programmes, and infrastructure development continues to raise the bar for football administration in the country.
The awards also celebrated the vital role played by corporate sponsors in supporting the growth of Nigerian football. MTN Nigeria emerged as the Best Corporate Sponsor of Football, recognising their significant investment in various football initiatives, from grassroots to the national team level. The support of corporate giants like MTN remains crucial in providing the resources necessary for Nigerian football to thrive and compete on the global stage.
The media’s contribution to the promotion and development of Nigerian football was also acknowledged at the awards, recognising journalists that have gone above and beyond in their coverage of Nigerian football, providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and compelling storytelling that have not stopped captivated audiences across the country.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the venue for the awards ceremony, was recognised as the Football Pitch of the Year. The state-of-the-art facility has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including international friendlies and crucial World Cup qualifiers. The stadium’s world-class playing surface, excellent facilities, and electric atmosphere have made it a favourite among players and fans alike.
With the 2024 Nigeria Pitch Awards behind us, it is clear that Nigerian football has little to celebrate. The event may have honoured the remarkable achievements of players, coaches, and administrators and also highlighted the importance of continued investment in grassroots development, infrastructure, and corporate partnerships but the dismal performance of the Super Eagles in the ongoing qualifying series leaves a lot to be desired.
Still, the Nigeria Pitch Awards serve as a reminder of the incredible talent, passion, and potential that exists within Nigerian football. By recognising and celebrating the achievements of its brightest stars and most dedicated stakeholders, the awards inspire future generations to dream big and strive for excellence, both on and off the pitch. As Nigerian football continues to make its mark on the global stage, the Nigeria Pitch Awards will undoubtedly remain a key platform for honouring the very best in the beautiful game.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
