Nigerian Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi received the PFA Beyond the Pitch award at the 2026 Best of Africa Awards in London. The honour recognises his commitment to youth football in Ilorin and neighbouring communities.
Taiwo Awoniyi, the Nigerian international striker with Nottingham Forest and the Super Eagles, has been honoured in London. According to Waffi TV, he received the PFA Beyond the Pitch award at the 2026 Best of Africa Awards.
The prize is not about his performances on the pitch but about his philanthropic efforts and his commitment to developing youth football in Nigeria, the same outlet reports. A trophy that recognises work carried out away from the spotlight, in Ilorin and neighbouring communities.
The Kwara Kiddies League at the heart of his commitment
According to Waffi TV, the player supports the Kwara Kiddies League by funding its annual tournament. He also provides equipment, kits and cash prizes to youth teams in Ilorin and neighbouring communities.
This support is part of a wider effort. Again according to the same source, the Nigerian has also invested in youth empowerment, health support and grassroots sport initiatives. These commitments are at the heart of the distinction he received in London.
In a statement relayed by Waffi TV, the winner expressed his gratitude on Instagram: “Life can give you a lot, but what really matters is what you choose to do with what you have received. Grateful to have received the PFA Beyond the Pitch award at the 2026 Best of Africa Awards.” (our translation)
A category backed by the PFA
According to Waffi TV, the Best of Africa Awards every year honour Africans and people of African descent in sport, entertainment and social development. The ceremony is therefore not limited to the sporting field alone.
The Beyond the Pitch category is backed by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). It honours athletes who use their influence off the pitch, the Nigerian outlet explains.
For Awoniyi, this distinction rewards a local commitment rooted in Ilorin, while he plays for Nottingham Forest and the Super Eagles, Waffi TV recalls.
A commitment that continues in Ilorin
The winner will continue his commitment to the Kwara Kiddies League, Waffi TV indicates. This commitment therefore covers the annual tournament, equipment and cash prizes for grassroots football in Ilorin and neighbouring communities.