Akwa Ibom State enjoyed a double success at the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards, with Governor Umo Eno receiving the Football Friendly Governor of the Year honour and the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo being named Football Pitch of the Year.
Recognition for Akwa Ibom
Anthony U. Isonguyo, the state’s Liaison Officer in Lagos, accepted the governor’s award on his behalf and used his speech to underline the administration’s commitment to developing sport at grassroots level through its “ARISE” agenda.
In remarks delivered for Governor Eno, Isonguyo said the prize represented more than an individual distinction. He described it as an endorsement of the government’s effort to use football for youth development, talent identification, healthy leisure and stronger social unity.
The administration’s record includes the creation of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, improvements to gyms and other sporting facilities, and financial assistance for the state’s participation in major national competitions, including NDDC events and the National Youth Games.
Its wider youth programme has also produced development centres, ICT hubs and co-working facilities in each of Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas. More than 10,000 young people and small and medium-sized enterprises have received training through those initiatives.
Governor Eno dedicated the award to the state’s athletes, coaches and sports administrators, adding that investment in football is ultimately an investment in a more promising future for Akwa Ibom’s young people.
Plans for the Nigeria Pitch Awards
President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr Shina Philips, then set out an ambitious plan for the platform’s next phase while acknowledging the considerable operational difficulties it has faced.
- Philips addressed the delays that moved the 2025 awards to their present date, insisting that the event continues to serve an important motivational role within Nigerian football.
- The 13th edition, scheduled for 2027, will feature the awards’ first sports symposium before the main ceremony.
- Voting for the 2026 awards is due to begin in December.
- The organisers will also add an Emerging Star Award for exceptional players aged below 18, with the new category intended to support grassroots development and complement wider institutional reforms in sport.
- Voting will remain fully transparent and will be administered by sports editors from across Nigeria. Philips said the awards would continue to protect their credibility while pursuing more corporate partnerships to ensure the programme’s long-term financial sustainability.
