The President of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has urged the organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards to maintain the integrity and transparency that the awards are known for. During a meeting with Shina Phillips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, and Pastor Nelson Olafisoye, Chief Operating Officer, Gusau emphasized that the NFF continues to support the awards due to their credible and transparent process, which has been upheld over the past 12 years.

Gusau highlighted the importance of recognising efforts within the football community, explaining that awards motivate individuals and organisations to strive for higher performance. He praised the Nigeria Pitch Awards for acknowledging excellence and contributing to the development of Nigerian football.

In response, Phillips assured that the organizers would remain committed to ensuring a transparent and credible awards process.

Meanwhile, tickets for the Super Eagles' 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Benin Republic's Cheetahs will go on sale Friday. The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, with VIP tickets priced at N3,000 and regular tickets at N1,000.

Editorial

As the Nigeria Football Federation urges the organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards to uphold the highest standards of integrity, we must reflect on the broader implications of such recognition. In the realm of football, as in many other sectors, awards serve as a powerful tool to inspire excellence. They encourage individuals and teams to push boundaries, knowing their hard work might be publicly acknowledged.

We have long believed that the success of any awards ceremony lies in the credibility of its process. A transparent and fair system ensures that those who are genuinely deserving receive recognition, which in turn builds trust among players, coaches, and fans alike. Integrity in such processes also helps to set benchmarks within the football community, motivating participants to consistently improve their performance.

The role of the Nigeria Pitch Awards extends beyond individual accolades. By celebrating excellence, it shines a light on the many contributions made by those who might otherwise go unnoticed. This, in turn, enriches the overall development of the sport in Nigeria, as more individuals feel driven to elevate their game.

As stakeholders in Nigerian football, we must continue to support platforms that promote fairness and celebrate the dedication of our athletes. The Nigeria Pitch Awards is one such platform, and its success depends on the commitment to maintaining its transparency and integrity.

Did You Know?

1. The Nigeria Pitch Awards is one of the few football award ceremonies in Africa recognised by the Nigerian Football Federation.


2. The awards have been held annually for 12 years and honour individuals across various categories, including players, coaches, and officials.


3. The Super Eagles of Nigeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times: in 1980, 1994, and 2013.


4. Godswill Akpabio Stadium, where the upcoming qualifier will take place, has a seating capacity of 30,000.


5. The Nigeria Football Federation was founded in 1945 and became a member of FIFA in 1960.