Bendel Insurance midfielder Alex Oweilayefa has been named the Nigeria Premier Football League’s “League Bloggers Award” Young Player of the Season, capping an impressive debut campaign for the Benin-based club, Platinum News is reporting.
The 19-year-old was announced as the winner at the Bloggers Award ceremony held Wednesday, July 8, in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Oweilayefa joined Bendel Insurance from grassroots side OYC Football Academy in Warri, Delta State, and made an immediate impact in his first NPFL season.
He featured in 20 league matches and scored 10 goals — numbers that reflect a dynamic midfielder with an eye for goal and sharp game awareness — under head coach Kennedy Boboye.
He beat out a strong shortlist to claim the award, seeing off Douglas Iyonuwa (Rivers United), Chimaobi Igwillo (Rangers International), Musa Malik (Ikorodu City), Adeoye Aderemi (Ikorodu City) and Mmesoma Nnorom (Kun Khalifat FC).
Speaking to Platinum News by phone from Lagos on Thursday morning, Oweilayefa thanked his family, teammates, coaching staff and club chairman for their support.
“I feel so great, I was so excited yesterday,” he said. “All thanks to God, my family, my coaches and my team’s chairman — I appreciate him for everything. This is my first NPFL season, and I’m grateful to God.”
Reflecting on his breakout campaign, the soft-spoken teenager credited self-belief and determination for his rise.
“I’m someone who puts my mind, strength and everything into whatever I want to do — I wasn’t afraid,” he said. “When I see people play, I always believe I can play just as well, and that helped me through the season.”
Oweilayefa’s performances were instrumental in helping the 1972 league champions fight off relegation early in the 2025/2026 season, making him a fan favourite and a player admired across the league.
Also, his performance and prospects earned him a 3-year contract extension at Bendel Insurance until 2029.
Photos: Bendel Insurance FC