It was a night full of glamour as NPFL Undiluted, foremost Nigeria Professional Football League WhatsApp group feted the best performers of the 2021/2022 NPFL season.
Veteran sports journalist and former football player, Andrew Randa joined by a flourishing female sports journalist, Joy Ojeabulu anchored the award that was spiced with wonderful music and other side attractions on the WhatsApp platform.
Ishaq Rafiu who now plays for Maribor FC scored 14 goals and provided 3 assists for Rivers United in the 2021/2022 NPFL season, helping his team to clinch the league title beat former Enyimba International striker, Victor Mbaoma and former teammate, Chijioke Akuneto who won the golden boot of the season with 19 goals to emerge as the Player of the year.
In the coach of the year category, the league-winning coach with Rivers United, Stanley Eguma emerged winner as he beat Gbenga Ogunbote formerly with Remo Stars FC and Plateau United coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu to the award.
In the Content Creator of the Year (Journalist) category, a young Nigerian popular journalist, Michael Imianvan popularly called “Mike the Pundit” pipped Christopher Emenyonu of NPFL Tori Podcast and NPFL statistician, Samuel Areo to cart home the award.
CAF’s Confederation Cup debutants, Remo Stars Sports Club of Ikenne with their super content creation beat Nigerian league powerhouses – the league champions, Akwa United and 8-time champions of the league, Enyimba International FC – to emerge as the Content Creator of the Year (club).
A top editor of years of reputable records, Enitan Obadina came top above sports lawyer, Amobi Ezeaku and another top Nigerian journalist and graphics expert, Andrew Randa to clinch the Most Educative member of the forum.
In recognizing the wonderful, innovative and consistent works of the NPFL Media Officers, the group voted Mfon Patrick, Akwa United’s Media Officer over his colleagues, Chris Okunnuwa of Sunshine Stars and Eche Amos of Nasarawa United as the Media Officer of the year.
For the Most Active Administrator of the Year category, Veteran journalist cum administrator, Elder Paul Bassey, Chairman Akwa United edged Club Owners Secretary, Chief Aloy Chukwuemeka and Kwara United Manager, Bashir Badawiy to win the award.
Atinuke Esan defeated the duo of Grace Johnson and Oluchi Faith to take home the most Active Female Member of the group.
In the Most Active Male Member category, one of the most celebrated sports journalists, Adepoju Tobi Samuel known as Oganla Media floated above Andrew Randa and Michael Imianvan to win the award.
Elder Paul Bassey stole the show at the awards as he for the second time emerged the Administrator of The Year after beating – former NFF second Vice President, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Rivers United’s Chairman, Barrister Chris Green.
Uyo-based journalist, Akila Matawal popularly called Akila Wotowoto beat Samuel Areo and Fisayo Dairo to clinch the Matchday Reporter of the Year.
Burna Boy, Asake and other Nigerian hit pop stars all featured on the DJ’s playlist in entertaining the award attendees who were treated to massive excitement on the night.
“It was an amazing evening you all made this inaugural edition of NPFL Undiluted annual awards ceremony be. Thank you all for turning up and for giving us your hearts, ears and glamorous looks to ride with. Let’s do this again next year and beyond. Remember to not drink and drive as,” event compere, Joy Ojeabulu said in her closing remarks.
Joy Ojeabulu
“Andrew Randa, Zaddy of life and Nigeria’s long lost playmaker. Have a lovely evening and see you next time,” the Chief anchor quipped as curtains were dropped on the event.
“Zaddy of life”, Andrew Randa
NPFL Undiluted is the foremost WhatsApp group where exclusive information about the Nigeria Professional Football League is shared with a series of topnotch analysis – it houses top sports journalists as well as administrators of all degrees.