Bayelsa, Pillars, Rangers win NPFL League Bloggers Award for February
Bayelsa United’s coach, Meremu Okara, and Kano Pillars forward Ibrahim Mustapha have emerged winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) player and coach’s honours for February 2024 after their sterling performances in the league.
Okara, who won the award for the first time in his coaching career, faced opposition from December’s winner, Mangut Mbwas of Plateau United, Sporting Lagos’ Paul Offor, and Fidelis Ilechukwu who also led his side, Enugu Rangers, to three consecutive victories in February.
Under Okara, the Restoration Boys as Bayelsa are known cruised to three consecutive wins against Gombe United, Akwa United, and Doma United, scoring five goals in the process and conceding none to climb away from the relegation zone.
It was the first time Bayelsa would steer comfortably away from the drop zone since the start of the 2023/2024 season.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars forward Mustapha (alias Yuga) also had a memorable month, and was named the NPFL player of the month for his goal-scoring heroics against Heartland, Sunshine Stars, and Katsina United, despite his side’s struggle to win only one of those three matches.
February also saw the 26-year-old forward hit the 60 NPFL-goals career mark, a milestone achieved by only a handful in the league.
Both Okara and Mustapha will be presented their plaques by the organisers of the honours, the League Bloggers Award at their club training grounds this week.
Elsewhere Kenechukwu Agu’s superb free-kick goal for Rangers International against Remo Stars was picked as NPFL Fans Goal of the month after his efforts polled 72 percent of votes.