Pitch Awards: Philips backs Tinubu’s reforms as Osimhen, Iwobi, others win top honours

President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in Nigerian football, urging stakeholders and the media to support efforts to improve transparency, professionalism, and accountability in the administration of the game.

Mr Philips made the call on Tuesday at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony in Lagos, where Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Stanley Nwabali emerged among the leading award winners.

Osimhen claimed two of the major honours, winning the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year and the King of the Pitch award.

Iwobi was named Midfielder of the Year, while Bassey won Defender of the Year, and Nwabali received the Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Rasheedat Ajibade was named Queen of the Pitch, while Justine Madugu won Coach of the Year for his work with the Super Falcons. Remo Stars were recognised as Team of the Year.

Philips backs reforms

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Philips said the awards came at an important time for Nigerian football, with reforms underway within the country’s football administration and regulatory institutions.

He commended President Tinubu for what he described as a bold step and urged stakeholders to support the reform process.

“The ongoing reforms within the relevant regulatory institutions present both opportunities and responsibilities. Reform, by its very nature, demands courage, transparency, accountability, and a willingness to embrace better ways of doing things,” he said.

Mr Philips specifically called on the media, which he described as the “powerful Fourth Estate of the Realm”, to support the presidential initiative.

He said the reforms should strengthen football administration, improve professionalism and transparency, protect stakeholders’…