The organisers of Nigeria Pitch Award have released the final shortlist of three players who will do battle for the King of the Pitch award, given out to the best Nigerian player in the year under review.
A mail made available to Owngoalnigeria.com editorial desk has Victor Moses of Chelsea, Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City and John Obi Mikel formerly of Chelsea but now with Tianjin Teda of China.
Moses was nominated for having an outstanding end to the year 2016 both for Nigeria and Chelsea, with his two goals ensuring Nigeria whipped Algeria 3-1 in their last World Cup 2018 Qualifiers played in Uyo last year.
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The captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria John Obi Mikel was nominated mainly for his role in helping Nigeria win bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and also his performances in the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers for Nigeria despite not playing a single minute of club football for Chelsea before his move to China.
Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho made the shortlist despite his current predicament at the Etihad, where he has been frozen out of the starting line up by manager Pep Guardiola. He is however nominated for his goal run for the Nigerian team which includes two goals in the Eagles three games towards the end of last year.
In the women category, which is referred to as the queen of the pitch, Guingamp of France forward Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala formerly of Arsenal and Onome Ebi of FC Minsk of Belarus will do battle for the prestigious award.
Osas Mahawi
