Organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards on Tuesday announced plans to host the 11th Award Ceremony after the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Warriors of Zimbabwe on 25th March 2023 at the Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement, Mr Shina Philips, President of the awards stated that in addition to unveiling of winners for all award categories, two distinguished Nigerians would be honoured with the Special Achievement in Sports Award for their contributions to the development of sports in the country.

Alhaji Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission will be honoured for his contributions to the growth of sports in the country. Uptill 2011, he had served as a consultant to the sports committee in the Federal House of Representatives where he assisted in drafting the National Sports Commission bill in the National Assembly. He was also second Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation between 2014 and 2022.

Another distinguished Nigerian to be honoured at the 11th Award Ceremony is AIG Garba Baba Umar (rtd). In 2010, he served in an ad-hoc capacity as Chairman of NFF Security Committee at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa and as Chief Detail of Team Nigeria to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. As Security Adviser to the Nigeria Football Federation, he has been involved with security and safety arrangements at stadia all over the country during matches involving the National Teams and Representative Clubs.

Other highlights of the 11th Award Ceremony include announcement of winners in 18 award categories. It will be noted that organizers unveiled nominees for the 11th edition of the awards on 20th February 2025 in Lagos.

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF President (M), Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards (R) and Nelson Olafisoye also of the Nigeria Pitch Awards (L)

The King of the Pitch category will be a straight contest between Atalanta FC sensation, Ademola Lookman, Galatasaray FC Victor Osimhen and Al-kholood FC defender, William Troost Ekong. In the Queen of the Pitch category, Bay FC forward, Asisat Oshoala will square up against Paris FC goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie  and Atlético de Madrid Femenino forward, Rasheedat Ajibade.

In the Football Friendly Governor of the Year category, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and Godwin Obaseki, former Edo State Governor who was in office from12 November 2016 to 12 November 2024 will compete for the crown. 

Ademola Lookman of Atalanta FC is up against Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen and Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray in the race for the Striker of the Year Award.            

The battle for the Best Corporate Sponsor of Football Award will be between GTI Financial, MTN Nigeria and Bet9ja Limited.

Other categories to be decided are Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Sam Okwaraji Award, Sportsmanship Award, State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme, Football Pitch of the Year and Football Journalist of the Year Awards.

Mr. Philips expressed organizers’ gratitude to the President and entire management team of the Nigeria Football Federation for their support and partnership since the awards began in 2013. 

OldEnglish Bakery, a leading name in Nigeria’s bakery and confectionery industry, has announced its generous support for the South West Games 2025 by offering the first 1000 attendees at the opening ceremony a delightful serving of bread and butter.

The grand event, set to hold in Lagos, promises an exhilarating blend of sports, culture, and entertainment, with several perks and frills lined up for attendees.

According to the COO, Adebowale Odesola, this giveaway is one of the many exciting benefits of being part of the landmark sports fiesta. “Beyond our complimentary bread and butter for the first 1000 guests, attendees can expect a host of other enjoyable experiences. The South West Games is not just about athletic prowess; it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and togetherness, and we are thrilled to contribute to that spirit.”

The South West Games is a prestigious multi-sport event that brings together athletes from across the six states of the South West region of Nigeria, fostering unity, talent development, and regional pride. The competition features a diverse array of sporting disciplines, from athletics and football to indigenous traditional games, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region while providing a platform for young talents to shine.

Over the years, the Games have grown into a significant event, drawing participants and spectators from different walks of life and serving as a breeding ground for the nation’s future sports stars.

OldEnglish Bakery’s gesture forms part of its broader commitment to supporting the South West Games 2025, reinforcing its dedication to fostering sportsmanship, wellness, and community development.

As a brand known for its rich tradition of baking excellence, OldEnglish Bakery sees this partnership as an opportunity to give back to the society that has embraced and supported it over the years. The company believes that sports and nutrition go hand in hand, and by supporting the Games, it aims to emphasize the importance of good nutrition in athletic performance and overall well-being.

The bakery has a long-standing tradition of engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives, ranging from food donations to supporting community events that promote social cohesion. Through this initiative, OldEnglish Bakery aims to not only delight attendees with its signature products but also to inspire other businesses to take an active role in supporting sporting and cultural events that unite Nigerians across diverse backgrounds.

Founded with a passion for delivering premium-quality baked goods, OldEnglish Bakery has grown to become a household name, celebrated for its fresh, nutritious, and tasty bread, pastries, and other confectionery delights. With multiple outlets across Nigeria, the brand continues to uphold its mission of nourishing lives and strengthening community bonds through its products and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The South West Games 2025 is expected to attract thousands of sports enthusiasts, athletes, and dignitaries from across the region, making it a significant event in Nigeria’s sporting calendar. The games will feature a wide range of sporting activities, including athletics, football, basketball, and traditional games, offering a unique blend of competition and cultural expression. OldEnglish Bakery’s involvement underscores its unwavering commitment to promoting health, wellness, and community engagement through meaningful initiatives.

As anticipation builds for the opening ceremony, OldEnglish Bakery encourages attendees to arrive early to enjoy its warm, delicious offering and partake in the exciting activities planned for the day. The bakery remains committed to making a positive impact through its participation and looks forward to an unforgettable celebration of sportsmanship and unity at the South West Games 2025.

Bros, the Niger Delta Sports Festival Mascot was unveiled Friday afternoon at a colourful ceremony in Owerri, Imo State which had in attendance, the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma and the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led by the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye.

Heralded by traditional dancers and serenaded by the Imo State choral group, Bros emerged digitally and live with a pose that had audience in a standing applause that froze the filled auditorium of the Landmark Event Centre in the posh New Owerri development area.

Before the digital presentation of the animated Mascot, Itiako Ikpokpo, the Lead Consultant at Dunamis Icon and Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, told the audience the story of Bros.

“The Mascot is derived from the Dolphin, which like the Niger Delta in Nigeria, has presence, prominence and respect in its environment.

“The name, Bros, is a short form for “Brother” which is commonly used in the Niger Delta, depicting the oneness, friendship and camaraderie that they share. Simply put, all Niger Deltans are brothers and they call themselves “Bros”, Ikpokpo narrated to nods of agreement by the guests that also included members of the Imo State Executive Council, Senators and some members of the House of Representatives.

The presence of Festival Ambassadors led by two former Afrian Footballers of the Year, Victor Ikpeba and Emmanuel Amunike added colour and excitement as guests eagerly sought to pose for pictures and videos with them.

Other Ambassadors who were unveiled alongside the duo were World women Wrestling champion, Blessing Oborodudu, former Africa sprints champion, Seun Ogunkoya, Tamunosiki Atorudibo, Olympic medalist, Patience Igbiti and former Falcons captain, Efionwan Ekpo.

The live Mascot strutted the stage as pyrotechnics were blasted to herald the official unveiling and in a friendly zest, invited Governor Uzodinma and the NDDC hierarchy for photoshots which they happily obliged.

“I appreciate your decision to host this important event in Imo State even as I look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of our people”, Governor Uzodinma stated.

Earlier in his welcome address at the event which was also a celebration of the NDDC 25th years of operation, Ogbuku said, “the festival aims to promote regional integration and discover new sporting talents in the Niger Delta region”.

In concluding his introduction of Bros, Ikpokpo added, “Dolphins are also very sociable and cultural. They entertain, learn, teach their young ones, build social bonds and have a high sense of cooperation and mutual existence.

“Most importantly, Dolphins communicate in various ways, just like we have various languages and ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, but all united in diversity.”

“Niger Deltans are all “Bros”, he declared.

Photo caption

From left to right- NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, House of Reps Committee Chairperson on NDDC, Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Festival Ambassadors and Bros, the NDSF Mascot.