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.
Local News
Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’ Backs Super Eagles To Defeat DR Congo After Back-To-Back Goal Fest
Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’ Backs Super Eagles To Defeat DR Congo After Back-To-Back Goal Fest
Former Super Eagles forward Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’ is buzzing with confidence — and he believes Nigeria is now primed to take down DR Congo in Sunday’s CAF World Cup qualifiers final.
After the Super Eagles thrashed Benin Republic 4-1 and followed it up with another 4-1 demolition of Gabon, the goals are flowing again, and Yaro Yaro says that’s a sign of something special brewing.
Speaking with Footy Africa, the former Wikki Tourists striker admitted he was impressed not just by the scoreline, but by the hunger, chemistry and energy the team displayed.
“I cannot remember the last time we won two straight games with four goals,”
Yaro Yaro said.
“This is a good win and a good omen. The boys could have scored even more, but this is a great confidence booster.”
DR Congo Will Be Tough — But Nigeria Is Ready
The next hurdle is DR Congo, a side that shocked many by eliminating Cameroon. Yaro Yaro acknowledged that the Leopards will not be an easy opponent, especially with their physical style and organized play.
But he still believes Nigeria will rise to the occasion.
“Our next game against DR Congo will be difficult… but I like how the team is developing. The Super Eagles have got their confidence back, and I see them defeating DR Congo.”
With Victor Osimhen on fire, the midfield finding rhythm, and the defence stabilizing, momentum is finally swinging in Nigeria’s favour at the perfect time.
A New Wave Of Confidence For The Super Eagles
The recent turnaround under coach Eric Chelle has reminded fans of the attacking identity Nigeria used to be known for. After struggling earlier in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles now look sharper, deadlier, and more unified.
Eight goals in two matches?
That doesn’t happen by accident — and Yaro Yaro believes it’s the fuel the team needs to take one more big step.
If Nigeria can defeat DR Congo on Sunday, they’ll move one step closer to booking their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
And judging by Yaro Yaro’s optimism, Nigerians might just witness another thrilling performance.
Local News
Mario Lemina Reacts Emotionally As Gabon Crash Out Against Super Eagles
Mario Lemina Reacts Emotionally As Gabon Crash Out Against Super Eagles
Thursday night was a tough one for Gabon, and no one felt it more deeply than Mario Lemina. The midfielder, who also plays alongside Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray, wore every emotion on his sleeve as Gabon fell 4–1 to the Super Eagles in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.
The match had started on a shaky note for the Panthers, with Akor Adams pouncing on a mistake from Gabon’s captain to give Nigeria the early lead. Still, Lemina kept pushing, kept fighting, and with just one minute left in the first half, he delivered Gabon’s brightest moment—an equaliser that momentarily reignited hope for a historic World Cup qualification.
But football can be cruel.
The second half swung sharply in Nigeria’s favour, with Victor Osimhen unleashing a deadly brace and Chidera Ejuke sealing the win with a composed finish. For Gabon, it was the end of a dream they had fought tirelessly to chase.
After the final whistle, Lemina turned to his X handle to pour out his frustration—and pride.
He admitted feeling a mix of rage, disappointment, and determination, acknowledging that the team had sworn to fight till the end but fell short. Still, he urged his teammates and fans to see the loss as a lesson, a stepping stone toward future success.
Now, Gabon will shift focus to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they hope to bounce back stronger and more united.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles move on to face DR Congo in the playoff final on Sunday, with Victor Osimhen looking unstoppable and Nigeria eyeing a path to next year’s intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.
But for Lemina, this moment will linger—an emotional reminder of how much the game means, and how deeply he believes in his nation.
Local News
Shakirat Moshood Makes Final Three Nominees For 2025 CAF Young Player Of The Year (Women)
Nigeria continues to shine on the African football stage — and this time, it’s Flamingos captain Shakirat Moshood grabbing the spotlight.
The young forward has been named among the final three nominees for the 2025 CAF Young Player of the Year (Women) award, a major recognition of her sensational rise in African women’s football.
Joining her on the shortlist are:
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Moha El Madani (Morocco)
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Adji Ndiye (Senegal)
Moshood’s Brilliant Year In Review
Shakirat Moshood has had a standout year — the type of year that puts a teenager firmly on the continental football map.
She was one of Nigeria’s brightest performers at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where the Flamingos battled their way to the Round of 16 under coach Bankole Olowookere.
But her success didn’t end on the global stage.
The young star also played a big role in Bayelsa Queens’ NWFL title triumph earlier this year. In addition, she emerged top scorer at the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire, proving she’s not just talented — she’s consistent.
This blend of leadership, goals, and maturity is what earned her a place among Africa’s elite young stars.
Nigeria’s Success Extends To The Super Falcons
Nigeria’s dominance wasn’t limited to youth level.
The Super Falcons also made the final three nominees for the Women’s National Team of the Year after winning their 10th WAFCON title in Morocco.
Their competitors for the crown are:
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Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses
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Ghana’s Black Queens
It’s clear: Nigerian women’s football is thriving across every level, from U-17 to the senior national team.
A Big Moment For Moshood — And A Bigger Future Ahead
Making the final three nominees is already a massive achievement, but Moshood’s trajectory suggests this is just the beginning.
With her skill, composure, and eye for goal, she is shaping up to become one of the future pillars of the Super Falcons.
Whether she wins the award or not, Nigeria has found a gem — and Africa is paying attention.
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