Organisers Unveil Sports Conference as Nigeria Pitch Awards Marks 12th Edition

As preparations intensify for the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, organisers Lenders Consult International have announced plans to launch an annual sports conference to be held alongside the prestigious awards ceremony.

The Nigeria Pitch Awards, first held in 2013, celebrates excellence in Nigerian football by recognising outstanding players both home and abroad, as well as honouring journalists across print, television, radio, and online categories.

The new initiative was unveiled by Shina Phillips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, during a special luncheon at BON Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, attended by football stakeholders, partners, sports editors, members of the college of voters, and representatives of the Nigerian media.

Phillips explained that the sports conference would broaden the vision of the Nigeria Pitch Awards beyond celebrating football achievements, by creating a strategic platform for dialogue and collaboration among sports administrators, investors, and policymakers.

> “We are pleased to announce our annual sports conference,” Phillips said. “This has been in the works for a long time. The conference will attract local and international speakers, providing an avenue to renew and refocus national attention on sports development in Nigeria.”

He added that the initiative aligns with the original vision of the Pitch Awards, unveiled at its inaugural press briefing in 2012, to make a lasting contribution to the growth of Nigerian sports.

Meanwhile, the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards is scheduled for December, with voting set to begin soon. Phillips reaffirmed confidence in the integrity and professionalism of SIAO Partners, the firm overseeing the voting process.

> “This journey has been one of courage, consistency, and collaboration,” he said. “Together, we are building a legacy that will inspire excellence in Nigerian football and beyond.”

The organisers also announced the reinstatement of the Rashidi Yekini Award, which honours the highest goal scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).