All eyes were trained on the ancient city of Kaduna this weekend has it played host to the creme de la creme of Nigerian football locally and internationally at the Bet9ja Nigerian Pitch Awards.
Over the weekend, the ancient city of Kaduna hosted not only the AFCON qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Pharaohs of Egypt, but also played host to the crème de la crème of Nigerian football locally and internationally at the Bet9ja Nigerian Pitch Awards.
The star-sudded event was held at the prestigious Hotel Seventeen in Kaduna, the evening was made significant as critical players, shapers and influencers in Nigerian Football were honored and recognized by their peers.
Mallam Nasir El Rufai, the Executive Governor of Kaduna state, who was awarded the Special Achievement Award, received his award from current NFF Chairman, Amaju Pinnick.
The Governor said he was ‘humbled’ at such recognition, and after citing Kaduna’s great contribution to Nigerian football in terms of its talent, he pledged support “for any organization aiming to grow the sport of football in the state.”
Currently most capped player and Super Eagles Captain, Mikel Obi also received the Player of the Year award, which was presented by Title Sponsors Bet9ja, represented by the Chairman, Kunle Soname.
Below are full list of winners on the night:
Special Achievement Award
His Excellency, Nasir El-Rufai
Executive Governor, Kaduna State
Barr. Solomon Dalong
Minister of Sports
Sir Mike Mbama Okiro
Chairman, Police Service Commission
Dr. Mohammed Sanusi
General Secretary, Nigeria Football Federation
Queen of the Pitch
Asisat Oshoala
Liverpool Ladies
King of the Pitch
Odion Ighalo
Watford FC
Football Achievement Award
Samson Siasia
Super Eagles Chief Coach
Rasheedi Yekini Award
Gbolahan Salami
Warri Wolves FC
Coach of the Year
Emmanuel Amuneke
U-17 Golden Eaglets
Football Friendly Governor of the Year
H.E Nyesom Wike
Rivers State
Sam Okwaraji Awards
Segun Odegbami - (Ex-International)
Amaju Pinnick - (Administrator)
John Obi Mikel - (Highest Number of Caps in the team)