Last season’s top scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nasarawa United forward, Yusuf Anas, has set a target of over 20 goals for himself in the current campaign.
He established this goal after receiving the 2024/25 Golden Boot Award in Abuja yesterday, stating that the recognition will motivate him to exceed the 18 goals he scored last season for his club.
Anas expressed his gratitude for the accolade, describing it as an inspiration to aim higher. “I feel happy because I have waited so long for this day, and I thank God it has finally happened. I can’t say for sure whether I will achieve it, but I will do my utmost to surpass last season’s performance, possibly scoring more than 20 goals this season,” Anas said.
At the award ceremony, the head coach of Remo Stars Football Club, Daniel Ogunmodede, was also honoured as the best coach of the season for leading his club to win the 2024/25 NPFL title for the first time in the club’s history.
Speaking at the event, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye conveyed the board’s commitment to elevating the league to internationally acceptable standards. “Look at what transpired last season; we had a club that won the league, and it is indisputable that the Remo Stars Football Club coach is the best of the season because he has proven it. Regarding the top scorer, I am proud to say that Anas distinguished himself at CHAN by scoring an outstanding goal. We believe in honouring them to encourage their continued excellence and inspire others. While we have many top players in Nigeria, such as Osimhen, Anas represents the next big thing in our football. By supporting him, we are not just presenting him with a trophy; it comes with a cash prize of two million naira (N2,000,000.00).
“We continue to address the initial challenges that could disrupt the smooth operation of the league. Over the last three years, we have managed to start and finish each season as scheduled.
This consistency has built confidence in the private sector, which is now willing to collaborate with us. Our aspiration is to enhance the quality and standards of the NPFL, ultimately increasing revenue for clubs and organisers,” Elegbeleye said.
Each award recipient was presented with two million naira (N2,000,000.00) as prize money, in addition to a commemorative plaque.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, represented at the ceremony by General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, commended the Gbenga Elegbeleye-led board of the NPFL for the credibility and successes they have brought to the league thus far.
“The league is improving week by week. Every day, I receive at least 20 invitations from clubs abroad. Instead of criticising our league, let us rally behind it, as its growth is evident. The NFF fully supports the efforts of the NPFL board,” Sanusi concluded.
