Sports
Pitch Awards: Players, Journalists, Edo, Delta, Others Jostle For Glory In 18 Categories [Full List]
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
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.
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
Victor Sochima Rivers United FC
Francis Uzoho AC Omonoia Nicosia FC
Adebayo Adeleye Hapoel Jerusalem FC
DEFENDER OF THE YEAR
William Troost-Ekong Unione Sportiva Salernitana 1919 FC
READ ALSO: Osimhen, Oshoala, Rivers United Nominated For Pitch Awards
Zaidu Sanusi FC Porto
Calvin Bassey AFC Ajax
MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR
Alex Iwobi Everton FC
Wilfred Ndidi Leicester City F.C
Joe Aribo Southampton FC
STRIKER OF THE YEAR
Victor Osimhen Napoli FC
Ademola Lookman Atalanta B.C
Chijioke Akuneto Rivers United FC
QUEEN OF THE PITCH
Monday Gift UD Granadilla Tenerife
Asisat Oshoala FC Barcelona Femení
Rasheedat Ajibade Atlético de Madrid Femenino
KING OF THE PITCH
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
Rivers United
The Flamingos (Nigeria’s U17 Girls’ Team)
COACH OF THE YEAR
Stanley Eguma Rivers United
Gbenga Ogunbote Shooting Stars FC
Bankole Olowookere The Flamingos
SAM OKWARAJI AWARD
Victor Osimhen Super Eagles
Hon. Kunle Soname Chairman, BET9JA
Seyi Akinwunmi Former 1st Vice-President, NFF
STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Edo State
Lagos State
READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Tems, Other 2023 Grammy Awards Winners
Delta State
FOOTBALL PITCH OF THE YEAR
Mobolaji Johnson Sport Arena Lagos State
Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium Akwa Ibom State
Remo Stars Stadium Ogun State
FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR
His Excellency, Nyesom Wike CON Rivers State
His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos State
His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki Edo State
CORPORATE SPONSOR OF FOOTBALL AWARD
MTN Nigeria Telecom
BET9JA Sport Betting
Cocacola Bottling Co./
AITEO Group Oil & Gas
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
His Excellency, Philip Shaibu Deputy Governor, Edo State
Hon. Kunle Soname Chairman, BET9JA
Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi Former 1st Vice-President, NFF
FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – PRINT
Tana Aiyejina Punch Newspapers
Charles Diya New Telegraph Newspapers
Johnny Edward Punch Newspapers
FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – TV
Mozez Praiz Supersport
Promise Eforgie Television Continental
Cecilia Omoregbe Channels TV
FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – RADIO
Yinka Oyedele Sports Radio 88.9 Brila FM
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
FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – ONLINE
Kunle Solaja Sportsvillagesquare.com
Tobi Samuel Adepoju Oganla Media
Shina Oludare Goal.com
Sports
Full List: UEFA Fine Chelsea, Barcelona, Three Others For Breaking Financial Rules
Published
2 days agoon
July 4, 2025By
Editor
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.
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.
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.
Full list of clubs hit by UEFA fine and amount
Chelsea: 20M€
Barcelona: 15M€
Lyon: 12.5M€
Aston Villa: 11M€
Roma: 3M€
Sports
Liverpool, Football World Mourn Diogo Jota As Tributes Pour In
Published
3 days agoon
July 3, 2025By
Editor
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.
“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
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.”
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.”
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.
Sports
5 ‘Big’ Recent Events Diogo Jota Had Before His Death
Published
3 days agoon
July 3, 2025By
Editor
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.
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
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.
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.
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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