Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is set to challenge Victor Osimhen for the prestigious King of the Pitch award at the 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards.
The event organizers revealed the nominees during a ceremony at Bon Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos. The annual awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to Nigerian football, feature 18 categories, including Striker of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, and Football Journalist of the Year.
Osimhen, currently playing for Galatasaray, has held the King of the Pitch title for three years. He made history in 2024 by winning the award for a third consecutive time. However, Lookman, who was recently named African Footballer of the Year, is expected to be a strong contender for the top prize.
Another nominee for the award is Super Eagles stand-in captain Williams Troost-Ekong, who plays for Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia.
Other Nominees
Goalkeeper of the Year:
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defender of the Year:
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
- Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
- Williams Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Midfielder of the Year:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
- Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg, Germany)
Striker of the Year:
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
Queen of the Pitch:
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France)
- Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, U.S.)
Coach of the Year:
- Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars)
- Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens FC)
- Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International FC)
The awards also include categories for State with the Best Grassroots Football Development, Football-Friendly Governor, and Corporate Sponsor of Football, among others.
Organizer Shina Phillips emphasized the commitment to transparency, ensuring the awards maintain their credibility.
The full list of nominees and more details can be found on the Nigeria Pitch Awards’ official channels.
