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Pitch Awards: Players, Journalists, Edo, Delta, Others Jostle For Glory In 18 Categories [Full List]

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Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, including in-form FC Barcelona Femeni forward, Asisat Oshoala, and other Nigerian players are all jostling for the ninth edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The awards is scheduled to hold in the Federal Capital, Abuja on Friday, March 24, 2023.

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This year’s edition has 18 categories of awards which include, King of the Pitch; Queen of the Pitch; Striker of the Year; Goalkeeper of the Year; Defender of the Year; Midfielder of the Year; Team of the Year; Coach of the Year; Sam Okwaraji Award; State With The Best Grassroots Football Development Programme; Football Pitch of the Year; Football-Friendly Governor of the Year; Corporate Sponsor of the Year; Sportsmanship Award; Football Journalist of the Year-Print; Football Journalist of the Year-TV; Football Journalist of the Year-Radio and; Football Journalist of the Year-Online.

The nominees for the awards are:

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

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Victor Sochima Rivers United FC

Francis Uzoho AC Omonoia Nicosia FC

Adebayo Adeleye Hapoel Jerusalem FC

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DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

William Troost-Ekong Unione Sportiva Salernitana 1919 FC

READ ALSO: Osimhen, Oshoala, Rivers United Nominated For Pitch Awards

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Zaidu Sanusi FC Porto

Calvin Bassey AFC Ajax

MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR

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Alex Iwobi Everton FC

Wilfred Ndidi Leicester City F.C

Joe Aribo Southampton FC

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STRIKER OF THE YEAR

Victor Osimhen Napoli FC

Ademola Lookman Atalanta B.C

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Chijioke Akuneto Rivers United FC

QUEEN OF THE PITCH

Monday Gift UD Granadilla Tenerife

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Asisat Oshoala FC Barcelona Femení

Rasheedat Ajibade Atlético de Madrid Femenino

KING OF THE PITCH

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Ademola Lookman Atalanta B.C/

Paul Onuachu Southampton FC

Alex Iwobi Everton FC

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Victor Osimhen Napoli FC

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Remo Stars

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Rivers United

The Flamingos (Nigeria’s U17 Girls’ Team)

COACH OF THE YEAR

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Stanley Eguma Rivers United

Gbenga Ogunbote Shooting Stars FC

Bankole Olowookere The Flamingos

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SAM OKWARAJI AWARD

Victor Osimhen Super Eagles

Hon. Kunle Soname Chairman, BET9JA

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Seyi Akinwunmi Former 1st Vice-President, NFF

STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Edo State

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Lagos State

READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Tems, Other 2023 Grammy Awards Winners

Delta State

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FOOTBALL PITCH OF THE YEAR

Mobolaji Johnson Sport Arena Lagos State

Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium Akwa Ibom State

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Remo Stars Stadium Ogun State

FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR

His Excellency, Nyesom Wike CON Rivers State

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His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos State

His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki Edo State

CORPORATE SPONSOR OF FOOTBALL AWARD

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MTN Nigeria Telecom

BET9JA Sport Betting

Cocacola Bottling Co./

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AITEO Group Oil & Gas

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

His Excellency, Philip Shaibu Deputy Governor, Edo State

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Hon. Kunle Soname Chairman, BET9JA

Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi Former 1st Vice-President, NFF

FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – PRINT

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Tana Aiyejina Punch Newspapers

Charles Diya New Telegraph Newspapers

Johnny Edward Punch Newspapers

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FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – TV

Mozez Praiz Supersport

Promise Eforgie Television Continental

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Cecilia Omoregbe Channels TV

FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – RADIO

Yinka Oyedele Sports Radio 88.9 Brila FM

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Emmanuel Etim Nigeria Info 99.3 FM

Tony Bekederemo Sports Radio 88.9 Brila FM

READ ALSO: Full List: Wizkid Nominated For Nickelodeon Awards 2023 ‘Favorite Global Star’ Award

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FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – ONLINE

Kunle Solaja Sportsvillagesquare.com

Tobi Samuel Adepoju Oganla Media

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Shina Oludare Goal.com

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Full List: UEFA Fine Chelsea, Barcelona, Three Others For Breaking Financial Rules

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Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa were among several clubs fined by UEFA on Friday for breaching European football’s financial sustainability requirements.

UEFA said the clubs had not complied with its football earnings rule. Chelsea and Villa were also penalised for breaching the squad cost rule.

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Chelsea were ordered to pay a fine of 31 million euros ($36.5 million) for the two breaches. They could have to pay an additional 60 million euros if they fail to comply by the end of a four-year period as part of a settlement agreement.

READ ALSO:Chelsea Sign Brazilian Joao Pedro From Brighton

The Blues have spent the most money of any club in Europe since a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly bought the Premier League giants in 2022.

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Barcelona incurred a fine of 15 million euros, with a further 45 million euros conditional on a two-year settlement agreement.

Villa must pay 11 million euros and risk a further fine of 15 million euros if they breach the terms of their three-year deal.

French club Lyon have agreed to be excluded from European competition if their relegation to Ligue 2 on financial grounds is confirmed. They were also fined 12.5 million euros.

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Full list of clubs hit by UEFA fine and amount
Chelsea: 20M€

Barcelona: 15M€

Lyon: 12.5M€

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Aston Villa: 11M€

Roma: 3M€

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Liverpool, Football World Mourn Diogo Jota As Tributes Pour In

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Tributes have continued to pour in following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain.

Liverpool Football Club, in an official statement on Thursday, expressed profound grief at the news of the 28-year-old’s passing.

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“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said. “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”

The Merseyside club requested privacy for the grieving family, adding, “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

READ ALSO:Liverpool ‘Devastated’ By Diogo Jota’s Death

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Clubs across the English Premier League also joined in mourning the Portugal international.

Chelsea Football Club shared its condolences on social media, stating, “Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time.”

Manchester City also issued a heartfelt message, stating, “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

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Newcastle United added, “We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo’s young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Is Dead

The Professional Footballers’ Association, said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s teammates and friends at Liverpool FC. He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed.”

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Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea also reacted to the news, writing simply on social media, adding, “Sometimes life is very cruel.”

The tragic passing of Jota and his brother has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with tributes continuing to flow in for the two brothers remembered for their talent, humility, and dedication to the sport.

 

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5 ‘Big’ Recent Events Diogo Jota Had Before His Death

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The global football community is united in grief following the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s passing.

The Liverpool and Portugal forward, 28 years old, died this morning in a car accident in Spain.

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His untimely death has cast a somber shadow over the sport, coming just weeks after a period of immense personal joy and professional triumph that showcased his burgeoning talent and cherished connections.

Jota’s recent life was marked by a series of significant milestones that underscored his growing stature in both club and international football.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Is Dead

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5 Major Recent Milestones for Jota

UEFA Nations League Final Win

Just weeks before his passing, in early June 2025, Jota was a pivotal member of the Portugal squad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain in the final. This marked a significant international achievement for the talented forward.

Premier League Champion

In April 2025, Jota played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title victory. His contributions were vital in securing the coveted domestic league title for the Reds.

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READ ALSO: Liverpool ‘Devastated’ By Diogo Jota’s Death

100th Liverpool Start Milestone

In late 2024 (specifically, October 5, 2024), Jota marked his 100th start for Liverpool across all competitions. He celebrated this milestone by scoring a goal against Crystal Palace, highlighting his consistent impact for the club.

Marriage to Rute Cardoso

On June 22, 2025, just ten days before his tragic death, Diogo Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. This publicly celebrated event was a joyful personal milestone, shared with their three children.

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Continues Playing and Streaming (FIFA eSports)

Jota remained highly active both on the football pitch and in the world of competitive gaming. He was known for his elite FIFA (now EA FC) skills, even achieving a world No. 1 ranking, and ran his own esports organization, Luna Galaxy. His engagement in streaming provided a unique connection with fans and showcased his diverse talents beyond professional football.

 

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