Super Eagles and Italian Serie A top scorer, Victor James Osimhen and FC Barcelona Femeni top finisher, Asisat Oshoala were named the King and Queen of the Pitch respectively at the 9th Award Ceremony of the Nigeria Pitch Awards held at the Johnwood Hotel, Abuja on Friday March 24, 2023.
Speaking at the well-attended ceremony, Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards stated that one shock loss by the team should not obliterate the exploits and achievements of the players and the entire team.
‘The Eagles are ranked 5th in Africa; they have 19 appearances at the AFCON finals and have emerged winners 3 times. The Eagles have made 6 appearances at the World Cup finals since 1994.’
Speaking further, Philips said in the current season in Europe, Victor Osimhen had scored 21 goals in the extremely competitive Italian Serie A; Asisat Oshoala had netted 18 goals in the Spanish Ladies Premier League. Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey have helped their respective teams to successful outings.’
‘We also cannot ignore the exploits of our local coaches, administrators, football sponsors and football journalists. These people have put in their best and deserve to be identified, recognized and honoured. We have a lot to celebrate’, Philips concluded.
Francis Uzoho, the AC Omonia Nicosia FC shot stopper was named the Goalkeeper of the Year while the AFC Ajax left-back Calvin Bassey emerged the Defender of the Year. Alex Iwobi, who has averaged a total of 39 passes per match with a pass completion rate of 80 percent, and has 6 assists for his English Premier League side, Everton FC, won the Midfielder of the Year and the current Napoli FC goal poacher, Victor Osimhen also picked up the Striker of the Year award for the second season.