Local News
Uyo, Akwa Ibom To Host 11th Nigeria Pitch Award On 25 March
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.
ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF
14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie
Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202618 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202618 hours ago
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202618 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202618 hours ago
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202610 hours ago
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
-
World Cup 202618 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
Sports Analysis11 hours ago
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Other News18 hours ago
Tony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard
