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Category: Soccer

Osimhen, Lookman, Bassey, Ajibade Head Nominations for 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards

Wale busari08 mins

The Super Eagles trio of Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray FC, Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC, and Calvin Bassey of Fulham FC lead nominations for the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards. The organizers of the awards announced this at a media gathering at the Johnwood Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday, 16 December. Speaking at the event organized to celebrate partners, members of the College of Voters, and journalists, Dr. Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, reaffirmed organizers’ confidence in the voting process coordinated by SIAO Partners, the accounting firm that has been at the helm of the collation and auditing of the results since 2014. ‘We would like to thank SIAO Partners and express our confidence in the results that will be presented at this gathering. We have worked with SIAO Partners for over 11 years, and during this period, they have consistently demonstrated professionalism and commitment to this national project,’ Dr Philips said. Also speaking at the event, Mr. Afolabi Lawal, Senior Manager at SIAO Partners, stated that the accounting firm adhered to all due process while collating and auditing the results. While announcing the names of nominees, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the NFF Director of Media and Communications, stated that the Federation continues to support the Nigeria Pitch Awards because the award process is credible and transparent. In the King of the Pitch category, Atalanta’s striker, Ademola Lookman, the 2024 winner of the award, will face competition from Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray S.K. goal poacher Victor Osimhen. The Queen of the Pitch Award will be a stiff battle between Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion Women FC, Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, and Rasheedat Ajibade of PSG Feminine. Super Eagles new defensive sensation, Benjamin Frederick (F.C.V. Dender E.H.), will hope to stave up competition from Calvin Bassey (Fulham F.C.) and Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest F.C.) for the Defender of the Year award. The Midfielder of the Year category will be a fierce competition between Alex Iwobi (Fulham F.C.), Frank Onyeka (Brentford F.C.), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), and Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş J.K.). In their second nominations, Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC) and Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray S.K) will face competition from Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United) for the Rashidi Yekini Award for the Best Striker of the Year. The award for the Football Friendly Governor of the Year will be a straight contest between Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. Dr Shina Philips also announced that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be honoured with the Special Achievement in Sports Award at the 12th Award Ceremony. This is in recognition of the Commission’s invaluable contributions to the growth of sports through its organization of the Niger Delta Games. Detailed list of other nominees: GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR Kayode Bankole Remo Stars & TS Galaxy F.C. Maduka Okoye Udinese Calcio Stanley Nwabali Chippa United F.C. DEFENDER OF THE YEAR Benjamin Frederick F.C.V. Dender E.H. Calvin Bassey Fulham F.C. Ola Aina Nottingham Forest F.C. MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR Alex Iwobi Fulham F.C. Frank Onyeka Brentford F.C. Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge Wilfred Ndidi Beşiktaş J.K. RASHIDI YEKINI AWARD FOR THE BEST STRIKER OF THE YEAR Ademola Lookman Atalanta BC Anas Yusuf Nasarawa United Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K TEAM OF THE YEAR Remo Stars F.C Rivers United F.C Super Falcons COACH OF THE YEAR Daniel Ogunmodede Remo Stars F.C Finidi George Rivers United F.C Justine Madugu Super Falcons SAM OKWARAJI AWARD Kunle Soname Bet9ja Patrick Olusegun Odegbami Nigerian Ex-International Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Delta State Kwara State Lagos State FOOTBALL PITCH OF THE YEAR Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium Uyo, Akwa Ibom State MKO Abiola Int’l Stadium Abeokuta, Ogun State Remo Stars Stadium Remo, Ogun State FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos State His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun Ogun State His Excellency, Umo Eno Akwa Ibom State CORPORATE SPONSOR OF FOOTBALL AWARD Bet9ja Sport Betting GTI Financial Financial Services MTN Nigeria Telecom SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Bukola Olopade D.G, NSC George Aluo Chairman, NNL Hon. Kunle Soname Chairman, Remo Stars FC FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – PRINT Abiodun Adewale Punch Newspapers Johnny Edward The Nation Newspapers Charles Diya New Telegraph Newspapers FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – TV Babatunde Koiki News Central Television Cecilia Omorogbe Channels TV Mozez Praiz Supersport FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – RADIO Olawale Adigun Wash 94.9 FM/ Sure 97.5 FM Anthony Bekederemo Brila 88.9 FM Chuma Nnoli Nigeria Info FM FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – ONLINE Kunle Solaja Sportsvillagesquare.com Niyi Busari BSNSports.com.ng Samuel Ahmadu Savid News/ Nigeriafootball.ng QUEEN OF THE PITCH Chiamaka Nnadozie Brighton & Hove Albion Women Esther Okoronkwo AFC Toronto Rasheedat Ajibade PSG Feminine KING OF THE PITCH Ademola Lookman Atalanta B.C. Calvin Bassey Fulham F.C. Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K.

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Egypt Defeats Nigeria 2–1 In Pre-AFCON Friendly

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Egypt edged Nigeria 2–1 in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly in Cairo on Tuesday, thanks to a second-half strike from Mostafa Mohamed. The hosts opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark when Mahmoud Saber tapped in at the back post following a precise delivery from Zizo, who repeatedly caused problems for the Super Eagles down the right wing. Nigeria struggled to maintain attacking momentum but came close to an equaliser when Paul Onuachu’s long ball almost resulted in an own goal by Yasser Ibrahim, forcing a sharp save from Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. The Super Eagles eventually drew level shortly afterward. Zaidu Sanusi’s free kick from the left was mishandled by El Shenawy at his near post, allowing defender Chidozie Awaziem to head the ball in from close range. Egypt regained the lead in the second half as Mostafa Mohamed finished clinically inside the box after another incisive move orchestrated by Zizo. Despite Nigeria’s continued efforts, they could not find a response, and Egypt held on to secure the victory, boosting morale ahead of the tournament. Egypt will begin their AFCON campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday, December 22, while Nigeria face Tanzania the following day.

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French Labour Court Orders PSG to Pay Kylian Mbappe €61 Million in Back Wages

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Paris Saint-Germain has been ordered by a French labour court to pay former forward Kylian Mbappe up to 61 million euros ($71.8 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses. Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid in June 2024 after seven seasons with PSG, had initially claimed over 260 million euros from his former club. PSG, meanwhile, demanded 440 million euros from the France captain. The court dismissed Mbappe’s argument that the club applied the wrong legal classification to his contract. The awarded sum includes 55 million euros in unpaid salary and roughly six million euros in holiday pay. PSG has yet to comment on whether it will appeal the decision. Mbappe’s lawyers said they were “satisfied with the decision given by the labour court,” adding that it “re-establishes a simple truth — even in the professional football industry, labour laws apply to everyone.” The dispute partly relates to a failed 300-million-euro transfer to Saudi club Al Hilal in June 2023, which Mbappe refused. He later left PSG on a free transfer when his contract expired the following summer. Mbappe filed a complaint in June over how he was treated by PSG during the 2023-24 season, claiming he was sidelined and made to train with players the club sought to offload after he declined a new contract. He missed the club’s 2023 pre-season tour of Asia and the first match of that season but was later reinstated following talks with the club. During his time at PSG, Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 appearances. He now plays for Real Madrid, reportedly earning 30 million euros annually. PSG won their first Champions League title last season after his departure.

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Dembele Wins FIFA Best Award

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Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has been named the FIFA Best men’s player of 2025. Demeble, 28, has capped off his incredible year during which he won Ligue 1, the Champions League and the Coupe de France. The Frenchman also helped PSG reach the final of the Club World Cup. His efforts were enough to secure him his first ever Ballon d’Or, arguably the most coveted individual award in football. At Tuesday’s FIFA ceremony in Doha, Qatar, Dembele claimed another. The nominees were announced as Dembele, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the winner, as Dembele was invited on stage. PSG are playing in Qatar this week, facing Flamengo in the inaugural Intercontinental Cup Final.

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NFF Investigates DR Congo Over Ineligible Players, Boosting Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hopes

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced an investigation into DR Congo’s use of potentially ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could revive Nigeria’s chances of reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, PUNCH Online reports. DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November, winning 4–3 on penalties in Morocco and ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off. The Congolese team has since advanced to the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica. However, the NFF has raised questions about the eligibility of several DR Congo players fielded during the African play-offs. Reports indicate that six to nine players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship. While FIFA cleared the players based on possession of DR Congo passports, it is alleged they did not formally renounce their previous nationalities, potentially violating the country’s constitution. “NFF has done the needful,” a member of the federation’s executive board told PUNCH Online. “Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players had that status during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring. Our lawyers must have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.” NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi also confirmed the federation’s challenge, saying, “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Some of the players have European passports—French, Dutch, or others. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition. “FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” he added. “But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.” The development has renewed hopes for Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following their failure to reach the 2022 edition in Qatar. DR Congo has made a single FIFA World Cup appearance, in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.

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Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Reveals How He Quit Football For Barbing Before Super Eagles Call-Up

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Ebenezer Akinsanmiro’s road to the Super Eagles has been anything but straightforward, with the midfielder revealing that he once abandoned football entirely to learn barbing before finding his way back to the game. The young midfielder is among the new names included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His career began in the Nigeria Premier Football League with Remo Stars, where his performances later earned him a move abroad. He is currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan. Speaking to Super Eagles media, Akinsanmiro explained that football was part of his life from an early age, largely due to family influence. “Well, daddy inspired me a lot, he was once a footballer, and my two brothers too. They were footballers too. I took a lot of interest in the game while watching them play.” Despite that strong foundation, he admitted that there was a period when he walked away from the sport to focus on another profession. “Then, there was a time I took a break from football to learn barbing. I’m a professional barber too. I must thank my father and brothers for their support.” The Super Eagles invitation, however, came as a major surprise to him, especially after missing out on a previous chance due to injury. “I was not expecting it to be honest, the first time I was contacted was during the World Cup qualifiers, but I was injured and couldn’t make it.” He described the emotional moment he received the latest call-up, calling it the fulfillment of a long-held dream. “So, when this invitation came, I called someone close to me. I was actually shedding tears because it was a dream come true for me.” Akinsanmiro also reflected on his struggles with Nigeria’s youth teams and the doubts that followed. “I have been trying to play for the national team, from U-17 to U-20. Then, I felt maybe I was not good enough. I told myself I will keep pushing and doing my possible best, may be one day the invitation will come.” That perseverance has now paid off, as the midfielder prepares to take the next step of his career on the continental stage with the Super Eagles.

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Manchester United Blow Late Lead As Bournemouth Snatch Dramatic 4-4 Draw

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From near-total control to chaos in minutes, Manchester United saw late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha seemingly secure a 4-3 win, only for Bournemouth to snatch a dramatic third equaliser through substitute Eli Kroupi, leaving the points shared in a 4-4 Premier League thriller. Fernandes curled a perfect free-kick into the net in the 77th minute, and Cunha capitalised just two minutes later after Benjamin Sesko’s cross deflected off Adrien Truffert. Before these strikes, United looked headed for a grim festive mood with another potential defeat. Despite Kroupi’s intervention, the result capped a run of just one loss in 10 games, highlighting United’s attacking prowess under Ruben Amorim, though defensive frailties remain glaring. Twelve minutes in, United sprang to life. Amad Diallo initiated and finished a move, starting from the right, passing to Casemiro, then Diogo Dalot on the left. Dalot’s diagonal cross found Cunha, whose header initially missed but ricocheted off Djordje Petrovic, leaving the goalkeeper no chance as Cunha nodded home. United’s early dominance included a sharp Cunha-to-Diallo pass leading to a Fernandes effort, two corners, and various blocked shots from Casemiro and Cunha. Scoring is no longer a problem for United; defending is. A high throw from Antoine Semenyo demanded Casemiro’s aerial intervention, and Marcus Tavernier’s close-range header was blocked by Senne Lammens. Amorim’s tactical setup drew attention, with speculation over a back four during warm-ups, though the team deployed five at the back when defending, shifting to four when attacking. Diallo impressed before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, his runs only partly stopped by Adam Smith. Cunha then delivered a no-look cross that nearly led to a Bryan Mbeumo volley. Yet United, despite dominating, conceded. Kluivert bullied Luke Shaw down the left, feeding Semenyo, who ran 40 yards to score past Lammens. Tensions flared in a Dalot-Semenyo clash, both players booked. Before halftime, Fernandes’ corner was headed in by Casemiro, restoring parity. Bournemouth struck again through defensive lapses by Yoro and Heaven and a precise Tavernier pass, allowing Evanilson to score. Further errors, including a free-kick drilled past a static United wall with Cunha and Fernandes beside it, highlighted defensive shortcomings. Amorim’s attempt to regain control saw the introduction of Kobbie Mainoo for Casemiro on the hour, energising United’s attack with threats from Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha, and Fernandes. Sesko also came on, though opportunities went begging, culminating in a frantic finish. United’s attacking flair shines, but defensive solidity remains elusive, a problem Amorim’s system has yet to resolve.

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Morocco 2025: Super Eagles Battle Pharaohs in Cairo Friendly

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Three-time winners Nigeria and seven-time champions Egypt will be at each other’s jugular at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday evening, in a friendly match meant to prepare both teams for their campaigns at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals kicking off in Morocco on Sunday. Both teams will have the opportunity to test a clutch of newbies, with Nigeria manager Eric Sékou Chelle able to field the likes of goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and forwards Paul Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal, if he so desires. Pharaohs’ Coach Hossam Hassan, himself an AFCON legend, scored seven goals as Egypt won the 1998 edition of the championship in Burkina Faso, finishing as joint top scorer with South Africa’s Benni McCarthy, whose team ended up with the silver medals. Hassan will most probably weave his gameplan for the friendly match and the AFCON tournament itself around Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah, who, despite a hefty trophy shelf, is looking for his first AFCON title. There will also be Manchester City of England’s Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly’s Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet. There are also CAF Champions League holders Pyramids’ Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi, and UAE-based Ibrahim Adel, as well as Mostafa Mohamed of FC Nantes in France. Chelle is most likely to set his store by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. The match will kick off at 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time). As of Monday afternoon, 17 of the 28 players in Nigeria’s final list were in Cairo, with more players expected to arrive before Monday evening’s training session. The Super Eagles will depart Cairo for the Moroccan city of Fés aboard a chartered flight on Thursday. Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth continental crown (following triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013), is already themed NAIJA 4 THE WIN, and rolls off the ground on Tuesday, 23rd December with a clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, in a repeat of the opening match of the 1980 finals that Nigeria hosted and won. The Eagles will then clash with 2004 hosts and winners Tunisia on Saturday, 27th December, before their final Group C encounter against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, 30th December. All of Nigeria’s group phase matches hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fés. The Pharaohs, who are the only country to have achieved three consecutive triumphs (2006-2010), have to negotiate things with 1996 hosts and winners South Africa, as well as Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B. Their matches will take place at the Stade d’Agadir in the city of Agadir.

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