All eyes were trained on the ancient city of Kaduna this weekend has it 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.

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.

Executive Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, 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, Mr. Kunle Soname.

Mr. Kunle Soname, Chairman Bet9ja, had this to say about the event.

“Bet9ja is delighted to be associated with an award ceremony, that rewards

excellence, skills and hard work in football. As Nigeria’s foremost sports

betting company, we’ve been involved in rewarding football fans that

possess forecasting skills since we came into the business and as fans of

Nigerian footballers, coaches and administrators, any event, which seeks

to promote them will naturally attract our support. It is therefore a source of

joy for us to partner with Nigeria’s most prestigious football awards fully

supported by the Nigeria Football Federation.”

Amaju Pinnick received the Sam Okwaraji award for his efforts in Nigeria football

since he took over a year ago. Also at the impressive ceremony were NFF 1st

Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi, 2nd Vice President/LMC chairman Shehu Dikko,

Board Members Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa,

Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Babagana Kalli, Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande and Chris Green,

as well as General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

Winners on the night include:

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)

See some photos from the event below:

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