The Nigeria Pitch Awards is set to revive the Rashidi Yekini Award, a prestigious category honouring the country’s all-time leading scorer and celebrating the finest striker in Nigerian football. The accolade will make its return at the 12th edition of the awards, scheduled for December, and will be presented to the highest goal scorer in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).

The announcement came during a special luncheon in Lagos, held to appreciate partners and members of the College of Voters ahead of this year’s ceremony.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, also revealed plans for an annual sports conference to precede the awards. The initiative aims to expand the Pitch Awards’ influence beyond football recognition, creating a platform for sports development, collaboration, and policy dialogue.

“We are pleased to announce our annual sports conference, which has been in the works for some time,” Philips said.
“It will bring together local and international speakers, renewing national focus on sports and opening doors for collaboration among stakeholders.”

Philips further praised the awards’ consistency and credibility since 2012, acknowledging the support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the media, and the College of Voters.

The 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards is currently slated for December 22, though organisers hinted the date may be adjusted to accommodate the Super Eagles’ first AFCON 2025 fixture on December 23.

With the Rashidi Yekini Award back in play, the NPFL’s top scorers now have a fresh incentive to etch their names alongside one of Nigeria’s footballing greats.