The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be honoured with the Special Achievement in Sports Award at the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, in recognition of its contributions to sports development through the organisation of the Niger Delta Games.
The announcement was made by the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr Shina Philips, at a media gathering held at the Johnwood Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday, December 16.
Recall that the Niger Delta Sports Festival was part of its agenda for both sports and human capital development in the Niger Delta region.
The multi-sports festival, which took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, kicked off the activities marking the 25th anniversary of the NDDC.
The event aligned with Nigeria’s new vision for sports development and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to foster talent development and innovation in sports.
Through the sports festival, NDDC brought together thousands of young athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta region and allowed them to showcase their talents.
At the event, which brought together partners, members of the College of Voters and journalists, Dr Philips also revealed the nominees for the 12th edition of the awards, with Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC) and Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC) leading the list.
Dr Philips reaffirmed the credibility of the awards, expressing confidence in the voting process coordinated by SIAO Partners, the accounting firm responsible for collating and auditing 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,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Afolabi Lawal, Senior Manager at SIAO Partners, assured stakeholders that due process was strictly followed in the collation and auditing of the results.
While unveiling the nominees, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, said the Federation continues to support the Nigeria Pitch Awards because of its credibility and transparency.
In the King of the Pitch category, reigning winner Ademola Lookman will compete against Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
The Queen of the Pitch Award will be contested by Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion Women FC), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto) and Rasheedat Ajibade (PSG Feminine).
For the Defender of the Year award, Super Eagles newcomer Benjamin Frederick (F.C.V. Dender E.H.) will battle Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC) and Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest FC).
The Midfielder of the Year category features Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) and Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş J.K.).
In the Rashidi Yekini Award for Best Striker of the Year, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen will face competition from Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United.
Meanwhile, the Football Friendly Governor of the Year award will be contested by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
