Philips: Nigerian football will bounce back

Dr Shina Philips, president of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, has expressed confidence that Nigerian football can recover from its recent setbacks and return to a stronger position on the international stage.

Philips said Nigeria remains blessed with talented players competing across major leagues in Europe, Africa, America and other parts of the world, insisting that the quality of the country’s footballers provides reason for optimism.

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Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Philips said the national teams and domestic leagues have the capacity to reverse the recent decline and restore Nigeria’s football fortunes.

“We have absolute confidence in our footballers who are doing well in various leagues across Europe, America, Africa and other parts of the world,” Philips said.

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Pitch Awards to celebrate Nigerian football

As a further demonstration of his confidence in the sport, Philips announced that the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards will now take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Ibis Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

The ceremony had initially been scheduled to hold earlier in the year but was postponed.

Philips said staging the awards at a time when Nigerian football is facing significant challenges demonstrates the organisers’ continued belief in the country’s players and the future of the sport.

“Hosting the 12th Awards Ceremony at this time is a demonstration of our faith in Nigerian football,” Philips said.

“Since 2013, when we held our maiden edition in Calabar, we have shown Nigerians that…