Former Super Eagles’ goalie rewards best NPFL goalkeepers, coaches
Former Super Eagles safe hands, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, has once again extended his support to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by rewarding outstanding goalkeepers and trainers from the just-concluded 2024/2025 season.
In recognition of top performances between the sticks, Jimoh Abdul of Rangers International and Kayode Bankole Obassa of Remo Stars were jointly named Best Goalkeepers of the Season. Each received a ₦100,000 cash prize after keeping 15 clean sheets — the highest tally in the campaign.
Goalkeepers’ trainers, Dahiru Ilu and Anthony Donwa, were honoured as Best Goalkeeper Coaches and awarded ₦50,000 each in appreciation of their vital contributions to the development of elite goalkeepers in the league.
In addition, Ezekiel Clinton of Bayelsa United was recognized as the Best Rookie Goalkeeper, earning ₦50,000. The rookie award was sponsored jointly by former goalkeepers John Dosu and Femi Thomas.
The initiative was praised by members of the NPFL WhatsApp Group, which includes coaches, goalkeepers, and league administrators.
This marks the second consecutive year the awards have been presented, with the addition of new categories and an increased prize pool — signaling a growing commitment to nurturing goalkeeping talent within the league.
Speaking on the award, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) goalkeepers’ trainer and the group’s head of admin, John Dosu, thanked Ezenwa for championing the initiative.
Ezenwa also shared his thoughts on the impact of the awards, stressing, “It’s encouraging to see how these recognitions are helping young goalkeepers improve, regardless of their team’s standing. I want them to stay in top shape and keep pushing forward — the future is bright for Nigerian goalkeeping.”
