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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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G-Innovation Youngsters Hits Finland For Professional Football Careers

 

 

As the conveyor belts of the grassroots football factories gets lubricated, the products are gradually taking over the football shelves across the globe.

The latest talents are from the football factory of Lagos based non-league side, G-Innovation football club. The duo of Solomon Nwachuchuwu, a very energetic and attack-minded left-back and Israel Okienyi, a tall and highly rated goalkeeper have signed to join top premier league side AC Oulu in Finland.

The youngsters who were selected during a recently held football scouting tournament, brimmed with confidence as they departed Nigeria, expressing their desires and determination to make their grassroots club proud and of course, be good football ambassadors of Nigeria.

Speaking at their departure, President of G-Innovation FC, Chigozie Nwagwu, said he believes that the boys will shine and be worthy additions to their new team.

The youthful club owner added that his team, has a large pool of talented footballers who are equally ready for professional football.

Even as he went ahead to thanked his partners, particularly, Ude Dominic Egbukwu, the CEO of UDE Sports Agency, for the success achieved, so far.

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Spanish Giants Take Big Step In €60 million Rated Super Eagles Star Signing

Spanish Giants Take Big Step In €60 million Rated Ademola Lookman Pursuit

Barcelona, the Spanish LaLiga giant, has contacted the agent of Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman regarding a potential transfer this summer, according to Soccernet.ng.

Barcelona has been monitoring Lookman as a potential summer signing as they look to bolster their attack ahead of next season.

The Super Eagles star is expected to leave Atalanta summer. He has already attracted a lot of attention, and that is not a surprise, as he has contributed 50 goals and 24 assists in 115 appearances.

To get Lookman, Barcelona would have to outdo Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and Nottingham Forest who are also interested in acquiring his services. Liverpool have also been reported to be in the mix.

Now, in a new development per Caught Offside, the Blaugrana have made a vital step to sign Lookman. Barcelona have contacted Lookman’s agent for a possible deal in the summer.

The Super Eagles star has a release clause of €60 million at Atalanta, and with the way that Barcelona have conducted their business for the last two years, they could still eke out the fee despite their financial challenges.

However, the wages could be the issue. Ademola Lookman currently earns just over €2 million per year at Atalanta. Currently, only four players make more than that at Barcelona. And the Spanish champions will be careful to keep their wage structure intact.

This might be an issue, as the other English clubs looking at Lookman could easily double or triple his wages. Moreover, since the 27-year-old grew up and played in England previously, he could have to favour a return there.

 

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Victor Osimhen: The €40M Transfer Race That’s Heating Up Europe

victor osimhen- sportsmarketinternational

Victor Osimhen is once again dominating headlines—this time, not just for his goal-scoring brilliance, but for a high-stakes transfer race drawing the eyes of Europe’s elite.

Currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, the Nigerian striker has been unstoppable, notching 31 goals this season and leading his team to their first Turkish Cup final in six years. His latest masterclass—a clinical strike in a 5–1 demolition of Konyaspor—has sent scouts, fans, and football directors into a frenzy.

But what’s next for the Super Eagles talisman?

Manchester United’s Game-Changer?

According to multiple sources, including Goal and TeamTalk, Manchester United have already reached an “agreement in principle” with Osimhen for a summer move. The deal is rumored to cost between €30M and €40M—an absolute bargain for a player of his caliber.

United see him as a “transformational signing”—a potential fix for their long-standing striker crisis and a spark to reignite their Premier League and Champions League ambitions.

PSG, Chelsea Join the Race

Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea aren’t far behind. With Kylian Mbappé heading to Real Madrid and Chelsea desperately needing firepower, Osimhen’s availability is turning heads. PSG is reportedly ready to go head-to-head with United for his signature, while Chelsea could swoop in with a late offer.

What This Means for the Market

Osimhen’s move—regardless of the destination—will reshape the 2025 summer transfer market. Clubs are on alert, agents are negotiating, and fans are watching every move.

He isn’t just a footballer; he’s a brand, a marketable figure, and a potential franchise centerpiece for any club smart enough to close the deal.

Stay tuned to Sports Market International for real-time updates, expert insights, and the stories that shape the global sports business.

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