Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, will slug it with Wilfred Ndidi and Paul Onuachu for the King of the Pitch of eighth edition of the Nigeria Pitch awards.
President Matchmakers, Shina Philips, reeled out the nominees for various categories to the media in Lagos on Wednesday.
Philips said said the journey to the 8th edition of the awards is the story of the determination of all stakeholders to create and sustain a reward platform for the footballers, administrators and football lovers and supporters.
“At our inaugural press conference in 2012, we stated that the Nigeria Pitch Awards platform would offer Nigerians more than awards to deserving footballers,” he assured.
In other categories, Daniel Akpeyi has John Noble and Maduka Okoye to contend for Goalkeeper of the Year.
Super Eagles invitee, Olisa Ndah of Orlando Pirates, was nominated alongside William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun for the Defender of the Year category.
Rangers FC’s Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi were listed for the Midfielder of the Year category, while Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu will do battle for Striker’s award.
The Team of the Year will go to Bayelsa United, Rivers United or Akwa United, as Diepreye Teibowei (Bayelsa United), Edwin Okon (Rivers Angels FC) and Kennedy Boboye (Akwa United) contend for the Coach of the Year award.
Meanwhile, Matchmaker Consults has also concluded plans for an annual symposium aimed at improving sports in Nigeria.
Philips said: “The symposium, which will precede the annual Award Ceremony, will attract local and international speakers.
“Our vision is to make the gathering a unique opportunity to renew and re-focus national attention on sports in Nigeria and open up avenues for administrators to harness the opportunities sports provide.
“We will outline more details of this project in the coming months.”