The organisers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Phillips, on Wednesday tipped the Super Eagles of Nigeria for a win at the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
Phillips gave the prediction on the sidelines of the news briefing of the 8th award ceremony of the Nigeria Pitch Awards held at Ibis hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, three time winners, will start their campaign at the 33rd AFCON in Cameroon against seven times winners Egypt.
Phillips, responding to the Super Eagles chances at the AFCON, said that the team had what it required to go far in the biennial tournament.
“If I have to be sentimental about the Nigerian team, they can pick up the AFCON based of their individual form.
“What Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has done is daring with the sacking of the coach. They must have come with a short term plan for the team to do well at the Nations Cup.
“So far, the team needs our support, so Nigerians should come all out to support them. The technical crew should be able to motivate the boys.
“I know building a team to pick up a continental trophy in few months is not easy, but I believe NFF has what it takes to marshal the team to success,” he said.
On the 8th Award ceremony of Nigeria Pitch Awards, Phillips said that the awards would always be reviewed to meet the expectations of the football lovers.
“One thing is sure Nigeria Pitch Awards will continue to strive for excellence in identifying and celebrating Nigerian footballers that have continue to make the nation proud.
“The commitment of the Nigeria Pitch Award is to appreciate our legends while they are still living. I am not interested in posthumous awards, we need to celebrate them while they are yet living.
“Awards such as Pitch is designed to motivate and encourage our players to do more because it shows that they are being recognised.
“We want to inspire our players to do more for the country; this award has a thin line of remark, `To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.
Earlier in his speech Phillips said that the Pitch Awards would henceforth included annual symposium.
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“In continuing with this vision to offer more to improve sports in Nigeria, we are pleased to announce an annual symposium on sports.
“The symposium which will precede the annual award ceremony will attract local and international speakers.
“Our vision is to make the gathering a unique opportunity to renew and re-focus national attention on sports in Nigeria and open up avenues for administrators to harness the opportunities sports provides,” he said.
The awardees for the 8th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards include, Napoli FC and Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, Leicester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho and Genk FC striker, Paul Onuachu.
Others include, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa and Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers completing the list of Best Football Supporting Governor of the year. (NAN)
