Lookman dethrones Osimhen as ‘King of the Pitch’

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Ademola Lookman, the reigning “African Footballer of the Year”, has once again added to feathers on his cap as he has emerged the `2024/2025 King of the Pitch’ at an award ceremony in Uyo.

The Super Eagles and Atalanta BC Sensation, Lookman, emerged winner of the Striker of the Year and King of the Pitch at the 11th award ceremony of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The organisers of the Prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards said the award ceremony was held after the World Cup Qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Warriors of Zimbabwe.

“The 11th award ceremony was held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, and also witnessed the crowning of Rasheedat Ajibade, Super Falcons forward, as Queen of the Pitch.”

Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, restated the organisers’ determination to sustain the core values and tempo of the awards.

He also pledged that organisers would continue to demonstrate faith in footballers and administrators by hosting the annual event notwithstanding the challenges encountered.

“While doing this, we appeal to Nigerians to continue to support the Super Eagles and other national teams,” he said.

“In the Goalkeeper’s category, Chippa United goal stopper, Stanley Nwabali beat Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole to win the prize.

“Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong starved off competition from fellow teammates Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest and Calvin Bassey of Fulham FC to emerge `Defender of the Year’ for the fourth time.

“In the `Midfielder of the Year’ category, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and FC Augsburg’s Frank Onyema could not stop Alex Iwobi of Fulham FC. Iwobi has now won it for the third time.”

The organisers added: “The Sam Okwaraji Award for commitment to Nigeria Football has been one of the high points of previous awards ceremonies.

“Kunle Soname emerged winner for the second time having outscored Nigerian Ex-international, Segun Odegbami and former Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa.

“Telecom giant, MTN retained the Corporate Sponsor of Football award as Rangers International Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu won the Coach of the Year award. Rangers International carted home the `Team of the Year award’.

“In the media category, Samuel Ahmadu of Savid News emerged winner of the `Football Journalist of the Year’ – Online. Other winners are Charles Diya of New Telegraph Newspapers who was named “Football Journalist of the Year’ – Print.

“Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV won the Football Journalist of the Year – TV and Tony Bekederemo of Brila Sports Radio was voted winner of the Football Journalist of the Year – Radio.”

Full List of winners

Goalkeeper of the Year –Stanley Nwabali – Chippa United
Defender of the Year – William Troost-Ekong – Al-kholood FC
Midfielder of the Year- Alex Iwobi – Fulham FC
Striker of the Year- Ademola Lookman – Atalanta BC
Team of the Year- Rangers International FC
Coach Of the Year- Fidelis Ilechukwu – Rangers Intl FC
Sam Okwaraji Award- Kunle Soname – Bet9ja
State With the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme – Lagos State
Football Pitch of the Year- Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium
Football Friendly Governor of the Year- His Excellency, Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State
Corporate Sponsor of Football Award- MTN Nigeria
Sportsmanship Award- Kunle Soname – Chairman, Remo Stars
Football Journalist of the Year – Print- Charles Diya – New Telegraph Newspapers
Football Journalist of the Year – TV- Cecilia Omorogbe – Channels TV
Football Journalist of the Year – Radio- Anthony Bekederemo – Brila 88.9 FM
Football Journalist of the Year – Online -Samuel Ahmadu – Savid News
Queen of the Pitch – Rasheedat Ajibade – Atlético de Madrid Femenino
King Of the Pitch – Ademola Lookman – Atalanta BC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu