Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, won two honours the same night the Super Eagles lost to Guinea-Bissau at the Moshood Abiola Stadium
Nigeria lost against Guinea-Bissau on Friday night, but Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Everton’s Alex Iwobi, and other players received accolades at the Nigerian Pitch Awards.
The African Wild Dogs defeated the Nigerian Super Eagles at the Moshood Abiola Stadium with a score of 1-nil, denting their trip to Côte d’Ivoire.
The Super Eagles’ déjà vu loss at the same stadium 364 days later, however, has not stopped the Napoli star and his teammates from receiving recognition from the Nigerian Pitch Awards.
Nevertheless, over a year earlier, the Nigerians who under Augustine Eguavoen’s leadership lost to a nearby neighbour were unable to attend the celebration due to their terrible setback.
But this time, after first exhibiting some hesitation, the Nigerian players walked to the ceremony and brightened up a little with the honours.
Victor Sochima of the Super Eagles and the goalkeeper for Hapoel Jerusalem couldn’t stop Francis Odinaka Uzoho of Omonoia FC from winning Goalie of the Year.
@Uzohof beats Victor Sochima, Adebayo Adeleye to win the Goalkeeper of the year award. pic.twitter.com/qEQW2wvxF5
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) March 25, 2023
Ajax defender Calvin Bassey won the defender of the year title, besting Porto FC fullback Zaidu Sanusi and Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong of Nigeria.
@AFCAjax star, @CalvinBassey scoops the ‘Defender of the Year’ at the Nigeria Pitch Award 9th Edition. pic.twitter.com/1Gc1eH1tmt
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) March 25, 2023
The Napoli striker Victor Osimhen upset Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman to win the Striker of the Year title, while the Toffees midfielder also won the midfielder of the Year honour.
Barcelona Femenine Foward, Asisat Oshoala was also dubbed the Queen of the Pitch award ahead of Gift Monday, while Osimhen was named the King of the Pitch.
After the occasion, a worn-out Osimhen conveyed his gratitude to the organisers and expressed his joy over the prizes.
The Super Eagles forward, @victorosimhen9 appreciates the gesture pic.twitter.com/pp5fq3yRWw
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) March 25, 2023
The Super Eagles will be hoping to rebound as they go to Bissau for the second leg of the AFCON Qualifiers matches against Guinea-Bissau, having recovered from the defeat with the event ceremony.