Abiodun Adewale, a distinguished senior correspondent at PUNCH Newspapers, has garnered significant recognition for his exceptional sports journalism, earning nominations for two prestigious awards: the Nigeria Pitch Awards and the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Sport Media Awards. This double accolade underscores Adewale’s talent and the impact of his insightful reporting on the world of sports, particularly football. His nomination for the Football Journalist of the Year (print) category in the 11th Nigeria Pitch Awards highlights his contributions to the Nigerian sports media landscape, while the inclusion in the longlist for the 2024 AIPS Media Awards in the Best Colour Piece category places him on a global stage, competing with some of the finest sports journalists worldwide.
The Nigeria Pitch Awards, scheduled for March 25, 2024, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, will coincide with Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe. This prestigious event celebrates outstanding achievements in Nigerian football, both on and off the field, and Adewale’s nomination underscores his impactful coverage of the sport. This recognition within his home country further emphasizes his dedication to delivering compelling and insightful sports journalism to a Nigerian audience. Winning this award would be a significant achievement, marking his first victory in the Nigeria Pitch Awards.
Simultaneously, Adewale’s compelling article, “Olusosun: Defying the odds, Lagos slum rises above filth, produces Africa’s football king,” focusing on the remarkable journey of African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, has propelled him onto the global stage. This poignant piece, which delves into Osimhen’s rise from humble beginnings in a Lagos slum to football stardom, resonated with the AIPS judging panel, earning him a place on the coveted longlist. This nomination speaks volumes about the quality of Adewale’s writing and its ability to transcend geographical boundaries, capturing the human spirit and the power of sport to inspire.
Adewale’s success with the Osimhen piece isn’t a recent phenomenon. The article previously won the maiden AIPS Africa Awards (Print Category) in January 2024 during the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. This continental recognition served as a precursor to his global nomination, highlighting the consistent quality and impact of his work. The article’s ability to garner both continental and global acclaim underscores its compelling narrative and Adewale’s skill in crafting a story that resonates with a diverse audience.
The AIPS Sport Media Awards, known for their rigorous selection process, received an impressive 2,065 submissions from 133 nationalities across various categories. Adewale’s inclusion in this highly competitive field is a testament to the exceptional quality of his work. The initial selection stage involved over 18,000 votes cast by a panel of AIPS mentors, Executive Committee members, and Jury members, comprising 40 prominent media professionals from around the world. This rigorous evaluation process underscores the significance of Adewale’s achievement in making the longlist.
The next stage will see the Executive Committee narrow down the submissions to create a shortlist. This shortlist will then be presented to the Jury, who will conduct two rounds of selection to determine the finalists and ultimately the winners. The winners will be announced one day before the awards ceremony, which will be held in Rabat, Morocco, from May 13-16, 2024, during the AIPS Congress. This marks the first time the AIPS Sport Media Awards ceremony will be held in Africa, adding another layer of significance to Adewale’s potential victory. His success would not only be a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing recognition of African sports journalism on the global stage.
