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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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The Queen Returns: Ogundele Rasheedat’s Golden Comeback Story

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The Queen Returns: Ogundele Rasheedat's Golden Comeback Story

The Queen Returns: Ogundele Rasheedat’s Golden Comeback Story

She conquered Port Harcourt in 2011. Dominated Lagos in 2012. Nearly reclaimed her throne in Delta in 2022. Now, Nigerian table tennis veteran, international umpire, ( Ogundele Rasheedat ) is back and she’s aiming for gold at the ongoing OGUN National Sports Festival Games 2025.
Representing Delta State, Rasheedat returns to the table with a bold mission: to reclaim her crown in the Women’s Singles category and complete her Sports Festival Games legacy with yet another gold medal.

The Queen Returns: Ogundele Rasheedat's Golden Comeback Story

“I’ve stood at the top before and I’m here for the gold again,” said Rasheedat confidently in an interview. “This is more than a competition. This is legacy, redemption, and proof that champions don’t fade, they evolve.”

Rasheedat is not your everyday athlete. She wears two hats like a boss, a decorated table tennis player and a certified international umpire. She’s been repping Nigeria not just as a competitor but also as an official on global stages. That’s rare.

Check out her record:

Gold Medal – Women’s Singles, Port Harcourt Festival Games (2011)

🥇 Gold Medal – Women’s Singles, Lagos Festival Games (2012)

🥈 Silver Medal – Women’s Singles, Delta Festival Games (2022)

This year in Abeokuta, she’s not just coming to participate, she’s writing the next chapter of her legacy. And fans are rooting for her all the way. She’s a living proof that you can be versatile, consistent, and elite. Her journey inspires not just players, but officials, fans, and the next generation.

So as the Festival Games heat up in Ogun 2025, all eyes are on the Queen of the Table. Watch out for her because she’s not done yet.

Follow her journey. Let’s show love, share her story, and support our own.

Follow her on socials:
Instagram: @its.rasheedah
TikTok: @its.rasheedah24

Hashtags:
#RasheedatReturns #GoldenComeback #OGUN2025Queen

Media Contact:
Feezyking Cr8 – PR Desk
Email: feezykingcr8@gmail.com
Phone: +234 703 853 1294

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Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman

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Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman*

_as NSC Affirms State’s Readiness Ahead of Gateway Games 2024_

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially confirmed that Ogun State is fully prepared to host the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, following a comprehensive inspection tour of competition venues, logistics hubs, and athlete accommodations across the state.

Led by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Commission’s delegation visited key facilities including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Alake Sports Centre, Remo Stars Sports Complex, and Babcock University, which will serve as the athletes’ village for the Festival.

The Gateway Games 2024, scheduled to run from May 16 to 30, will bring together thousands of athletes and officials from across Nigeria, competing in more than 32 disciplines, making it one of the largest and most inclusive editions in the Festival’s history.

Speaking after the tour, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko expressed deep confidence in Ogun’s capacity to deliver a landmark event. According to him, “What I have seen here in Ogun is more than infrastructure. It is intent readiness, and ambition. Ogun is set to deliver a brilliant National Sports Festival that will raise the bar and define the standard for future games across Nigeria.”

Reaffirming the state’s commitment, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured the Commission and the Nigerian people of Ogun’s readiness to deliver a historic Games. “We consider it an honour and a responsibility to host this historic Festival. Every facility, every logistic, every detail has been prepared to showcase the best of Ogun and the promise of Nigeria. The Gateway Games will be a model of what’s possible when states align with national vision,” the Governor said.

As the lead agency for sports governance in Nigeria, the National Sports Commission continues to play a central role in coordinating nationwide sports development delivery, enforcing standards, and deepening synergy across all tiers of government. The success of the Gateway Games will serve as a blueprint for future sports development initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman*

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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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