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Osimhen, Boniface, Oshoala makes list for 10th Nigeria Pitch Awards [See full list]

Victor Osimhen, the reigning male African Footballer of the Year, has earned the highest nominations in four categories at the 10th Nigeria Pitch Awards.

This was revealed on Thursday by the organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards through its voter collation agent, SIAO Partners.

Osimhen, Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, among other teammates and Super Falcons stars, were nominated in different categories.

The unveiling of the nominations was held at the Ibis Hotels Ikeja, Lagos.

The Napoli FC forward got the most nominations, including the ‘Striker of the Year’, ‘King of the Year’, ‘Sam Okwaraji’, and ‘Sportsmanship of the Year’ awards.

Also, Victor Boniface of Bayern Leverkusen of Germany got two nominations, while serial African Women Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala also got a nomination.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary rendezvous, the President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Phillips, said that the event would be a landmark.

“First, I thank God that we have gone this far, and this is the 10th edition. We have reeled out the programmes for this unique celebration.

“We are also glad with the richness of the nominees, which was released by our partners in charge of the collation. We believe that the 10th edition will be a special one.

“All the plans for the 10th anniversary cannot be reeled out at once, so as the time comes, we will be unfolding the events; for now, we want to start with a football summit.

“At the summit, we want to discuss the way forward for Nigeria’s football because we believe that a lot can be injected. We have done our best this far, but we can do a whole lot more,” he said.

Phillips restated that the unblemished record of the Nigeria Pitch Awards has made it stand out as one of the most credible awards in Nigeria and on the continent of Africa.

“If anything is special about celebrating the 10th anniversary, it is because the process that we have put in place is free and fair.

“Those that have gotten the awards are deserving and were given them on merit. We have done our best to see that the winners are adjudged to be the best and that the platform remains incontrovertible.

“We believe that the 10th edition will attract more Nigerians. It is important that we celebrate our heroes, and it is also important that we have a platform that can reward them for their sacrifice.

“I am sure that the award will spur a lot of players, and beyond the players, but across the country,” he said.

Goalkeeper of the Year:
Kingdom Osayi (Doma United FC)

Amas Obasoge (Bendel Insurance FC)
Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba International FC)

Defender of the Year:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC England)
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, Turkey)

Midfielder of the Year:
Yusuf Al-Hassan (Royal Antwerp, Belgium)
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Striker of the Year:
Robert Mizo (Bayelsa United FC)
Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy)
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Sam Okwaraji Award:
Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy)
Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor, Turkey)
Kunle Soname (Bet9ja)

Queen of the Pitch:

Rasheedat Ajibade (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (French Division 1 Féminine)
Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona FC, Féminine, Spain)

King of the Pitch:
Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy)
Emeka Obiora (Shooting Stars SC)
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Team of the Year:
Super Falcons
Enyimba International FC
Remo Stars FC

Coach of the Year:

Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars FC)
Finidi George (Enyimba International FC)
Randy Waldrum (Super Falcon)

State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme:
Edo State
Delta State
Lagos State

Football Friendly Governor of the Year:
Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)
Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos)
Godwin Obaseki (Edo)

Football Pitch of the Year:
Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan
Remo Stars Stadium

Media category:
Football Journalist of the Year (Print)
Christopher Okparah (The Guardian)
Charles Diya (New Telegraph)
Johnny Edward (Punch)

Football Journalist of the Year (TV)
Myen Akiri (TVc)
Moses Praiz (Super Sports)
Cecilia Omoregie (Channels TV)

Football Journalist of the Year (Radio)
Olawale Adigun (Mainland FM)
Olayinka Oyedele (Brilla Sport)
Anthony Berekederemo (Brilla FM)

Football Journalist of the Year (Online)
Samuel Amidu (Savid News)
Tobi Adepoju (Oganla Media)
Kunle Solaja (Sportsvillagesquare)

Corporate category:
Corporate Sponsor of Football Award
Bet9ja
MTN
GTI Financial

Sportsmanship Award:
Kunle Soname

Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy)

Gbenga Elegbeleye (NPFL).

 

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Could Man Utd Get Sucked Into Premier League Relegation Fight?

Could Man Utd Get Sucked Into Premier League Relegation Fight?

Ruben Amorim increasingly has the look of a man with regrets. Since taking over as Manchester United manager, the Portuguese has won just four out of 10 fixtures in all competitions with Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Wolves the latest disappointing result to highlight the trouble being experienced by the Old Trafford outfit.

United deserved to lose at Molineux. Bruno Fernandes’ mindless red card reduced his team to 10 men with Wolves able to make the most of its advantage through goals from Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan. This was Manchester United’s third straight defeat after losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth.

When Amorim arrived at Old Trafford, there was a chance that Manchester United could have mounted a late challenge for a Champions League qualification place. Now, United is slumped in 14th place in the Premier League table, 11 points off the top four. The Red Devils are closer to the bottom three.

In fact, the way Manchester United is playing right now, it’s not impossible that it could get sucked into the relegation fight at the foot of the table. Amorim and his players will face Newcastle United and table-toppers Liverpool before the end of the festive stretch of fixtures, meaning even darker days could come in the near future.

 

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“The little things stuck with me” – Super Eagles star credits his Father for Christmas charity act

“The little things stuck with me” – Super Eagles star credits his Father for Christmas charity act

Super Eagles and Fulham attacking midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, has revealed his Father played a huge role in his Christmas charity event a few days ago, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old opened a shop in East London under the name “AlexPress“, and stuffed it with food and groceries to give back to the people of the community where he grew up.

Iwobi revealed his Father played a huge role in the act, as he made sure kindness was instilled into the family by showing examples even in the little things.

“Even now, my dad, for example, if we’re going to the shop to get a one-pound drink, he’d give the guy in charge five pounds and tell him to keep the rest. When the bin men came, he’d make sure he was awake when they came around just so he could give them extra bottles of water. Little things like that stuck with me.

My mum and dad do that, and even my sisters do the same. We just like to help other people, especially family. Seeing my parents do that, and being in a position like I am, it’s only right that I give back to the community.

“I was able to create AlexPress, a little mini-mart. The shop is like a road away from the primary school I went to, so we were able to hire that for the day and basically invite as many people to collect Christmas food for their families.

So many people were able to leave with a smile on their faces and it makes it easier for them to enjoy Christmas because I know the cost of living is not easy, so I try to help in any way I can,” the former Everton man told Fulham’s official website.

Away from Iwobi, another Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen, also gave food items and tricycles to locals of Olusosun, in Lagos, Nigeria – the town where he went from being a boy to being a man.

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Napoli’s Osimhen and Leverkusen’s Boniface Light Up Lagos With ‘Detty’ December Celebration

Napoli’s Osimhen and Leverkusen’s Boniface Light Up Lagos With ‘Detty’ December Celebration

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface recently brought the festive season to life in Lagos with an unforgettable December celebration, Soccernet.ng reports.

The two Super Eagles stars joined in the city’s vibrant “detty” December festivities, dancing and relaxing at a club with their peers.

In a video shared on social media, Osimhen, currently in top form with Galatasaray in Turkey, can be seen dancing to a song played in the club, while injured Boniface enjoys a drink from his cup.

Boniface and Osimhen’s Bond
Both players are key figures in the Super Eagles squad. Boniface, seen as the potential replacement for Osimhen when the talisman is injured or on the bench, shares a close bond with his teammate.

After winning the Bundesliga title with Leverkusen last season, Boniface recalled how Osimhen predicted his rise in the German league.

“Shout out to [Victor] Osimhen because I remember when they [Napoli] won the league. He told me next year will be your turn and it’s happening now. Senior man respect,” Boniface told Soccernet.ng.

Even on Boniface’s 24th birthday, Osimhen took to social media to celebrate his teammate:

“Birthday blessings starboy! Only love and well wishes over here man. See you soon!”

Off the pitch, Boniface values his relationship with Osimhen and recently named the Napoli forward as the most valuable contact on his phone. The former Union SG player has also praised Osimhen for his impressive performances at club level.

Osimhen and Boniface: Big in the Transfer Market
The two Super Eagles stars have attracted the attention of top European clubs looking to strengthen their squads.

Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, have previously been linked with both players, and one of them may soon make a move to England.

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