The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has witnessed eight rounds of games so far with the improved spectacle of having the games live on television.
Owngoalnigeria.com senior editor Mohammed Yusuf Suleiman picks five players who have so far impressed but prior to the start of the season very little was known of them.
Isah Ndala (Plateau United) – Many will say he is in for the early season contender for player of the season. So immense was his performance that Tanzania duo of Yanga and Simba FC wanted to sign him following the elimination of Plateau United from the CAF Champions League.
A tireless runner who is very adept at breaking up play and launching attack he has been one of the consistent players in the eight match old NPFL season.
James Ajako (Jigawa Golden Stars) – Plucked from Oloke Academy in Lagos, the left fullback can easily pass as one of the most gifted players in the set up of struggling NPFL side Jigawa Golden Stars.
At 17 he had a brief spell in Togo playing for Asko d kara and as he closes in on turning 18 on the 9th of March many will say he won’t be at Jigawa Golden Stars when the transfer window opens.
Sadeeq Yusuf (Sunshine Stars) – It took him a long while to get to the potential that saw him sign for Genk of Belgium as an 18 year old from GBS Academy. He also had a brief spell with FK Haugesund of Norway around same time.
At 23, the attacking midfielder has come of age with five goals so far after eight round of games. He scores, creates and also defend when the need arises.
Ayo Adejubu (Sunshine Stars) – He made waves when he signed for Sunshine Stars as a 14 year old in 2019 and subsequently made his debut. However it’s this season that he has made himself a mainstay of the team. Quick, skillful and daring he has cemented his spot in the squad of Sunshine Stars.
Rueben Nichodemus (Nasarawa United) – Announced himself with a bang with a brace for Nasarawa United in the opening game of the season.
Presently out injured with an arm injury picked up against Adamawa United, the GBS Academy prospect will have all eyes on him when he returns.
Onukwube Samuel Stone (Jigawa Golden Stars) – Provokes memories of Humberto Suoaza with his size and the way he applies himself in attack. Four goals already for a struggling team there is every reason that he will be recalled by his parent club Kano Pillars. He has been out on loan for two seasons now to same team.
Promise Damala (Wikki Tourist) – Last season was his first but just when he was about to start making his mark the season was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. This season he has picked up from where he left off with three goals already to his name for Wikki Tourist.
Gabriel Orok (Enyimba) – The right sided terror in Enyimba’s deadly attacking trio alongside Tosin Omoyele and Anayo Iwuala. He has been on the books of Enyimba for three season and now more than ever this look like the season where he will show why the Aba Elephants have so much faith in him.
