From the household names to the fast-rising and up-and-coming stars in the Nigeria Premier Football League, PRIMANEWS Sports Extra’s ABIODUN ADEWALE spotlights the stars to watch this season in the Nigerian topflight
Rabiu Ali (Pillars)
At 43, Ali keeps disappointing those expecting him to retire from football. After Kano Pillars were relegated from the league two seasons ago, he was still an integral part of their setup in the second division and played his part in regaining promotion to the NPFL after just a season in the NNL. Four-time champions Pillars are back in the league with their captain retaining his place in the squad.
Daniel Itodo (Plateau)
Known for his trademark long throws, Itodo is another captain who brings quality to the league. His specialty in dead ball situations has come in handy for Plateau United in the past and whatever they set to achieve this season, he is tactically in their plans, if the way they played against 3SC on match-day one in Ibadan is anything to go by.
Nyima Nwagua (Rivers)
One of the newest captains in the league, the Ogoni-born striker took over from the retired Festus Austin before the start of the season as more responsibilities of Rivers United rest on his shoulders. He ended up with five goals during the regular season last term and must add up the numbers this season.
Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba)
Invited into the Super Eagles for three consecutive games now, safe to say Olorunleke has convinced whoever cares to pay attention as the most established goalkeeper in the domestic league. He was also named the new captain of Enyimba, following the departure of former goalkeeper John Noble. More responsibilities are on the cards for the keeper this season, as they must prove doubters wrong under new management, while they will also have a taste of the African Super Cup, after crashing out of the CAF Champions League from the prelims.
Kayode Bankole (Remo)
For two consecutive seasons, Remo Stars goalkeeper Bankole has won the NPFL award for the highest number of clean sheets in the league. In the last two seasons as well, he was instrumental to his club’s qualification for continental matches, although they were unable to progress into the group stages of both the CAF Champions League (2023) and CAF Confederation Cup (2022). With another 38-match-day season here, the Remo shot-stopper will be determined to get double figures of clean sheets and also compete for a place in the national team as well.
Junior Lokosa (Sporting)
The league’s highest goal scorer with 19 goals in 2018, Lokosa has not been close to repeating the feat due to his absence from the local scene. After an expedition in North Africa, he returned to the league two seasons ago and became prominent again last season at Remo Stars. Now with newly promoted Sporting Lagos, the former Kano Pillars man is regarded as Sporting’s biggest acquisition and must prove why they splashed the cash on him with goals.
Robert Mizo (Bayelsa)
Safe to call him the man of the moment, Mizo announced his presence in the league this term with a hat-trick for Bayelsa United against Akwa United on match-day one. In the process, he also sent a reminder of what he did last season when he scored nine goals during the regular season. Ahead of this campaign, the striker said he is determined to double his efforts and he’s started on a very impressive note.
Benjamin Tanimu (Insurance)
Bendel Insurance defender Tanimu is striving in a world of strikers and the lad is gradually becoming famous in the NPFL. For a defender, the 21-year-old has a diminutive figure, but he does his job at the back diligently and also threatens when he goes up front in deadball situations. His performance last season earned him a call-up to the U-23 team and it will be interesting to see how much he will be able to achieve personally and for his club this season.
Ibrahim Yusuf (Sunshine)
With five goals during the regular season last term, Yusuf was the highest goal scorer for Sunshine Stars as the club managed to make it to the Super 6 playoffs. Hopes must have been renewed in Akure and the striker, like others, is having a 38-game season to prove himselfagain.
Taofeek Malomo (3SC)
New 3SC captain Malomo is another star to watch this season. Last term, while the Ibadan side struggled, his talent was evident and it was not surprising to see Enyimba try to lure him away before the start of the season. With the captain’s band in his arm, the 19-year-old now has a bigger task as 3SC hopes to perform better than last season.
Rivio Anyemwenre (Sporting)
For now, he is known as the man who scored Sporting Lagos’ first-ever NPFL goal. Having recorded such a landmark in their first game, all eyes will be on the midfielder as the season progresses as he must strive to deliver for the topflight’s debutants with his work rate.