Chijioke Mbaoma Dominates NPFL Awards

Chijioke Mbaoma, the top scorer in the NPFL this past season, has been named both the top star of the league and the best striker. Mbaoma scored 17 goals for Enyimba, leading the team to a third place finish and securing their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup. These awards are organized by the League Bloggers.

Other notable award winners include Fidelis Ilechukwu, who was named Coach of the Season for leading Enugu Rangers to their eighth NPFL title. Sani Suleiman of Akwa United received the Rookie of the Year award, and Kparobo Arierhi of Beyond Limits was named NNL MVP.

League Bloggers Awards:

• Best Player of the Season: Chijioke Mbaoma
• Brand Sponsorship of the Season NNL: Betking
• Government Sponsorship of the Season: Enugu State Government
• Brand Sponsorship of the Season NPFL: Afrivent
• Fans of the Season NPFL: Shooting Stars
• Club Media of the Season NPFL: Sporting Lagos
• Topscorer of the Season NWFL: Folashade Ijamilusi of Robo Queens
• Coach of the Season NWFL: Moses Aduku of Edo Queens
• Young Player of the Season NPFL: Oscar Ozornwafor of Rivers United
• Goalkeeper of the Season NPFL: Amas Obasogie of Bendel Insurance
• Defender of the Season NPFL: Sodiq Ismail of Remo Stars
• Midfielder of the Season NPFL: Kazeem Ogunleye of Rangers International
• Striker of the Season NPFL: Chijioke Mbaoma of Enyimba
• Topscoring Player of the Season NNL: Dada Oladimeji of Madiba FC
• Coach of the Season NPFL: Fidelis Ilechukwu of Rangers International
• Player of the Season NWFL: Emem Essien of Edo Queens
• Player of the Season NNL: Kparobo Arierhi of Beyond Limit
• Rookie of the Season NPFL: Sani Suleiman of Akwa United

Editorial

The recent NPFL awards highlighted the exceptional talent within Nigerian football, with Chijioke Mbaoma taking centre stage. His achievements as the league’s top scorer and best striker underscore his immense contribution to Enyimba’s success. Scoring 17 goals in a single season is no small feat, and it’s a testament to his skill, determination, and hard work.

We celebrate the remarkable progress of the NPFL, evidenced by the diverse range of awardees. From Fidelis Ilechukwu’s tactical prowess leading Enugu Rangers to victory, to Sani Suleiman’s emergence as Rookie of the Year, these awards showcase the breadth of talent across the league. Each winner has a unique story of dedication and perseverance, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian football.

We are particularly thrilled by the emphasis on recognising not just players, but also coaches, young talents, and even club media teams. This holistic approach to celebrating football excellence is commendable and encourages all facets of the sport to strive for greatness. It’s heartening to see entities like Betking and Afrivent being recognised for their sponsorship, highlighting the vital role of corporate support in the development of the league.

Our admiration for Mbaoma extends beyond his goal scoring capabilities. His ability to lead, inspire, and consistently perform under pressure makes him a true asset to Nigerian football. As he prepares to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup, we believe he will continue to shine on the continental stage.

We see a bright future for the NPFL, buoyed by the achievements and recognition of its top performers. These awards not only celebrate current successes but also set a high standard for future aspirations. Nigerian football is on an upward trajectory, and with continued support and recognition, it can reach even greater heights.

Did You Know?

1. Chijioke Mbaoma scored 17 goals for Enyimba in the NPFL, leading them to a third-place finish.
2. Fidelis Ilechukwu guided Enugu Rangers to their eighth NPFL title.
3. Sani Suleiman of Akwa United was named Rookie of the Year in the NPFL.
4. Betking was awarded the NPFL 2023/2024 Brand Sponsorship of the Season NNL.
5. Shooting Stars were recognised as the NPFL Fans of the Season.