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Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen Set for Epic Showdown at 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

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Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen Set for Epic Showdown at 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen Set for Epic Showdown at 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

 

In what promises to be one of the most hotly contested battles in Nigerian football history, reigning African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, is poised to challenge Victor Osimhen, the incumbent holder of the prestigious “King of the Pitch” title at the 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The much-anticipated nominations were unveiled on Thursday at Bon Hotels, Sobo Arobiodu, Ikeja, Lagos, in a star-studded event organized by Shina Phillips, who vowed to uphold the awards’ tradition of integrity and transparency.

Lookman’s rise to prominence, following his African Footballer of the Year win, has set the stage for an epic duel between the Atalanta forward and Osimhen. The Super Eagles’ goal-scoring sensation and Galatasaray star, Osimhen, is the current record-holder of the “King of the Pitch” award, having claimed the title three consecutive times—making him the only player in the award’s decade-long history to achieve such a feat.

However, Osimhen faces fierce competition, not just from Lookman but also from Williams Troost Ekong, the Super Eagles stand-in captain currently plying his trade at Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia.

The Ultimate Showdown for Nigerian Football Supremacy

Osimhen’s dominance at the 2024 Pitch Awards cemented his legacy as Nigeria’s best forward, but Lookman’s electric form this year has made him a genuine contender. With both stars leading the line for the Super Eagles, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the 2025 edition.

Ademola Olajide, Director of Communication for the Nigeria Football Federation, revealed the nominees for all 18 award categories at the unveiling ceremony. The categories span every facet of Nigerian football, from grassroots development to media excellence.

Key Categories and Nominees

  • Goalkeeper of the Year: Maduka Okoye (Undize, Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria).
  • Defender of the Year: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Williams Troost Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia).
  • Midfielder of the Year: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg, Germany).
  • Striker of the Year: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy).
  • Coach of the Year: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars); Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens FC); Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International FC).

The Queen of the Pitch award will also be hotly contested, with Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, U.S.), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid Femenino, Spain), and Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France) all vying for the honor.

Other notable categories include Sam Okwaraji Award (for outstanding contribution to football), Football-Friendly Governor of the Year, and State with the Best Grassroots Development Program, showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to football at every level.

A Celebration of Nigerian Football Excellence

With the Nigeria Pitch Awards growing in prestige each year, all eyes are now on the ceremony to see who will claim the coveted “King of the Pitch” title. The rivalry between Lookman and Osimhen has already captured the nation’s imagination, and football fans are bracing for an unforgettable showdown.

Stay tuned for more updates as Nigeria’s football elite prepare for the most anticipated awards ceremony of the year.

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Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90

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Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90

 

Media guru and highly respected on air personality, Jọlaoluwa Afọlabi famously known as J.J Jabulani is holding an elaborate 90th years birthday bash for his mummy, Mama Maria Ibipeju Afọlabi.

The birthday bash is holding on Friday, 25th April, 2025 at No 1 Ebute Road, Unity hall, opposite Indomie house, Lau junction, Ibafo, Ogun state. Many eminent personalities and media guys are expected to grace the epoch-making event.

Mama Ibipeju is a big business woman that trades on kolanut and gold in the 80s, she’s married to the popular pastor of the C&S church world wide Most Senior Apostle Samson Ọlayiwola Afọlabi of the revered Odofin compound in IREE town,Boripe local government of Osun state .

Mama is blessed with so many children among them is the ace broadcaster and media owner , Afolabi Jolaoluwa jabulani who is the last born of the nonagenarian.

Mama has great love and passion for gospel music spurred her interest in the usage of ‘SHEKERE’ in praising God till this moment and this singular act earned her the nick name (Iya Sekere)

Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90

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Nanakeme Precious Poweidou Begins European Journey with Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac

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Nanakeme Precious Poweidou Begins European Journey with Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac

Nanakeme Precious Poweidou Begins European Journey with Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac

 

Rising Nigerian football talent Nanakeme Precious Poweidou has officially signed with Zvijezda Gradacac, a professional football club in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant step in what he calls “a journey, not a hundred-meter race.”

 

The promising player expressed his excitement and gratitude following the signing, saying, “It is not a hundred-meter race, but a journey… I’m looking forward to a great career by God’s grace.”

 

The move to Zvijezda Gradacac marks Poweidou’s first professional contract in Europe, a milestone that signals both the beginning of his international career and the realization of years of dedication, discipline, and hard work on the pitch.

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From Dumbbells to DMs: Nigerian Gyms Evolve into Social Hotspots

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The Gym Love Triangle: Fitness, Fashion, and Flirtation in Lagos

 

In the age of fitness influencers, athleisure fashion, and Instagram-worthy workouts, Nigeria’s gym culture is booming. But beneath the sculpted abs and protein shakes lies a more complicated narrative: the gym as a new social playground—and sometimes, a romantic battleground.

From Ikeja to Festac and down to the bustling gyms in Ajah, what was once a space solely for sweat and stamina has evolved into something of a social experiment.

“People are using gyms to hook up,” says Folarin Adekoya, a regular gym-goer in Ikeja. “Some women come in wearing provocative outfits, and it’s not just distracting—it raises questions about their intentions.”

While the body goals are still a priority for many, others are raising eyebrows—and smartphones—as selfies, flirtation, and full-blown relationships begin to rival reps and routines.

“I Came to Lift, Not to Love”

Jason Onwuka, who trains regularly in Festac, says he’s seen it all.

“You have people who are here more for the vibe than the workouts. They spend more time talking and laughing than lifting weights,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He admits, however, that as society grows more individualistic, gyms have emerged as safe, neutral grounds for forming new connections.

“People are lonely. The gym is now a space to find friends, romance, and a sense of belonging,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s on you to stay focused.”

“Indecent Dressing Could Get Girls Banned” – Teddy A Warns

The debate recently went viral when Teddy A, a former Big Brother Naija star, posted a video lamenting what he called “indecent dressing at the gym.”

“We don’t want them to start banning girls from gyms because of indecent dressing,” he said in a video that triggered a flurry of reactions online.

While some praised his candour, others blasted his remarks as misogynistic and controlling, igniting fresh debates over dress codes, freedom of expression, and the sexual politics of the gym floor.

Fitness Centre Managers Respond

A gym manager in Ajah, who requested anonymity, told NAN that they’ve had to lay down the law to maintain order and respect.

“We’ve introduced dress guidelines and behaviour protocols. Still, people come to mingle, and as long as no one’s workout is disrupted, we don’t interfere,” he said.

He admitted that while some gym-goers blur the lines, many—especially professional women—come solely for fitness.

“They wear functional gear. Not everyone’s here for attention,” he added.

A Culture in Transition

As Nigeria’s middle class expands and wellness trends grow, gyms are no longer just places to burn calories—they’re becoming microcosms of urban life, where health, identity, and social dynamics all intersect.

But the question remains: Are gyms still sacred spaces for self-improvement—or just another scene for subtle seduction?

For now, the battle between body goals and “boo goals” continues to play out between the dumbbells and the dance bikes, one rep—and one DM—at a time.

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