The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) honoured two standout performers from the 2024/25 season on Tuesday, presenting them with cash awards of ₦2 million each for their exceptional contributions.
Nasarawa United striker Anas Yusuf, who netted 18 goals to emerge as the league’s highest goal scorer, received the award alongside Daniel Ogunmodede, head coach of Remo Stars, who guided his team to a historic first-ever NPFL title.
The Ikenne-based side sealed the championship with 71 points, becoming the first privately-owned club from the South-West since 2000 to lift the league trophy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, represented by Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, commended the NPFL board for its steady progress.
Sanusi said, “The league is improving week in and week out. Every day, I receive at least 20 invitations from clubs abroad. Instead of castigating our league, let us support and rally around it because the growth is obvious. The NFF fully supports what the NPFL board is doing.”
In his remark, the NPFL Chairman, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, reaffirmed the league’s commitment to raising standards despite challenges.
Elegbeleye said: “Nigeria’s team has been recognised in Africa. This league is the bedrock of football, and as it improves, it will earn our country greater respect internationally.
“We continue to work around the teething issues that could disrupt the smooth running of the league. Over the last three years, we’ve been able to start and finish the season as scheduled.
“This consistency has built confidence from the private sector, which is now willing to work with us. Our dream is to raise the quality and standard of the NPFL, ultimately increasing revenue for clubs and organisers.”
The award recipient, Anas Yusuf, expressed delight at the recognition, describing it as a motivation to do more.
He said: “I’m happy to be recognised by the NPFL. This award motivates me to push harder, and I hope to surpass my goal-scoring record from last season, hopefully score more than 20 goals.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of GTI Asset Management, the NPFL’s strategic partner, Nelson Ine, said rewarding excellence is key to building a stronger system.
He said, “It is always good to reward excellence. What it does for any system is to encourage others to aspire to greater levels. I want to thank the NPFL board for the good work they have done, the NFF for its support and my company, GTI, for being part of this journey.”
