FIFA President, Gianni Infantino and CAF President, Ahmad, top football stars, and captains of industry are expected at the inaugural edition of the Aiteo/NFF Awards taking place this evening at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Infantino and Ahmad are scheduled to arrive in Nigeria this afternoon and would be live at the event venue alongside presidents of about 20-member associations of FIFA.
NFF 1st Vice President and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Seyi Akinwunmi confirmed yesterday that broadcast partners SuperSport and Africa Independent Television (AIT) will relay the programme live as from 7pm.
“SuperSport and AIT will broadcast the Awards ceremony live, starting from 7pm, and it will last for exactly 90 minutes – the period of a football match.”
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State is expected alongside a number of his cabinet members, with Aiteo Vice President/CEO, Benedict Peters and top shots of the sponsor company also set to add glamour to the big event.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, who is outside the country on official duty is to be represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Olusade Adesola at the ceremony.
It is the first time that the nation’s football-governing body is organising an awards ceremony to reward and inspire the major actors and actresses in the Nigerian Football space.
Gongs will be presented to winners in Player of the Year (men), Player of the Year (women), Coach of the Year (men), Coach of the Year (women), Young Player of the Year (men), Young Player of the Year (women), Team of the Season, Fair-play Award, Goal of the Season, Fans of the Season, NFF Development Award and Platinum Award categories. Also, there will be special recognition of a ‘Legends Eleven,’ a squad of outstanding former Nigeria international players.
The Awards ceremony will also be attended by a large selection of Nigeria football legends, including former captains Christian Chukwu, Olusegun Odegbami, Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Uche Okechukwu, Garba Lawal, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Joseph Yobo.
NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said yesterday Aiteo has set a high mark for corporate bodies in Nigeria to follow.
“The NFF and the Nigerian Football family are very proud of AITEO and very delighted at what the company is bringing into our football in particular, and African Football in general.”
Venue of the programme is the Grand Ballroom of the Eko Hotels & Suites, with cocktails slated for between 6pm and 6.45pm.
NOMINEES
* PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Victor Moses
Wilfred Ndidi
Anthony Okpotu
* PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Asisat Oshoala
Charity Reuben
Francisca Ordega
* COACH OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Kennedy Boboye
Abdu Maikaba
Fidelis Ilechukwu
* COACH OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Whyte Ogbonna
Edwin Okon
Ann Chiejine
* YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Stephen Odey
Nura Mohammed
Ikouwem Udoh
* YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Rasheedat Ajibade
Anam Imo
Gift Monday
* TEAM OF THE SEASON
Plateau United
Akwa United
MFM FC
Rivers Angels
Nasarawa Amazons
Ibom Angels
*GOAL OF THE SEASON
Sikiru Olatunbosun (MFM v Rangers)
Shedrack Asiegbu (Abia Warriors v Plateau United)
Oche Salifu (Remo Stars v El Kanemi)