Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Shortlisted for Nigeria Pitch Awards’ Football Pitch of the Year

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has been shortlisted for the Football Pitch of the Year award at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards.

It will compete with MKO Abiola Sports Arena and Remo Stars Stadium for the award.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium has a strong case, having served as the home of the Super Eagles and hosted major international matches. It is also approved for CAF club competition group-stage matches, giving it an edge over the other nominees.

The awards ceremony will hold on September 8, 2026, in Lagos, with 18 categories featuring several top Nigerian footballers, coaches, teams and stakeholders.

Full List of Nominees

Goalkeeper of the Year

 • Kayode Bankole

 • Maduka Okoye

 • Stanley Nwabali

Defender of the Year

 • Benjamin Frederick

 • Calvin Bassey

 • Ola Aina

Midfielder of the Year

 • Alex Iwobi

 • Frank Onyeka

 • Raphael Onyedika

 • Wilfred Ndidi

Rashidi Yekini Award – Best Striker of the Year

 • Ademola Lookman

 • Anas Yusuf

 • Victor Osimhen

Team of the Year

 • Remo Stars FC

 • Rivers United FC

 • Super Falcons

Coach of the Year

 • Daniel Ogunmodede

 • Finidi George

 • Justin Madugu

Sam Okwaraji Award

 • Kunle Soname

 • Patrick Olusegun Odegbami

 • Victor Osimhen

State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme

 • Delta State

 • Kwara State

 • Lagos State

Football Pitch of the Year

 • Godswill Akpabio International Stadium

 • MKO Abiola Sports Arena

 • Remo Stars Stadium

Football Friendly Governor of the Year

 • Babajide Sanwo-Olu

 • Dapo Abiodun

 • Umo Eno

Corporate Sponsor of Football Award

 • Bet9ja

 • GTI Financial

 • MTN Nigeria

Sportsmanship Award

 • Bukola Olopade

 • George Aluo

 • Kunle Soname

Football Journalist of the Year – Print

 • Abiodun Adewale

 • Johnny Edward

 • Charles Diya

Football Journalist of the Year – TV

 • Babatunde Koiki

 • Cecilia Omorogbe

 • Mozez Praiz

Football Journalist of the Year – Radio

 • Olawale Adigun

 • Anthony Bekederemo

 • Chuma Nnoli

Football Journalist of the Year – Online

 • Kunle Solaja

 • Niyi Busari

 • Samuel Ahmadu

Queen of the Pitch

 • Chiamaka Nnadozie

 • Esther Okoronkwo

 • Rasheedat Ajibade

King of the Pitch

 • Ademola Lookman

 • Calvin Bassey

 • Victor Osimhen