With only five games remaining in the 2022/23 abridged Nigeria Professional Football League season, the battles for survival and a super‑six finish are intensifying as clubs vie for the remaining slots. As the pressure mounts, ABIODUN ADEWALE examines players in various positions who can shoulder their teams’ burdens.
**Strikers**
Emeka Obioma (Enyimba) – Enyimba’s season has been inconsistent, but striker Emeka Obioma is having the campaign of his life, netting 10 goals in 13 games. After breaking his duck on matchday four, he has kept the scoring streak alive, accounting for 75 % of Enyimba’s 16 goals. To help the People’s Elephants secure a top‑three spot in Group A, Obioma must continue finding the net.
Robert Mizo (Bayelsa United) – Bayelsa United sit three points and one place above the relegation zone, yet their forward Robert Mizo has shown contrasting form, scoring nine goals to sit second on the league’s scoring chart. The former NNL top scorer for Bayelsa could prove decisive in preserving the club’s NPFL status this season.
Osarenkhoe Imade (Bendel Insurance) – Arguably the season’s biggest revelation, Osarenkhoe Imade has shared the spotlight with Bendel Insurance from matchday one. Although the team remains a surprise package and has yet to win a game in the second stanza, Imade’s quality is no longer in doubt.
David Okoromi (Niger Tornadoes) – While the top two teams in Group B have displayed class, the remaining eight clubs are fighting for the final playoff spot. Niger Tornadoes’ David Okoromi has risen to the occasion, contributing five of the club’s 11 goals so far.
Samuel Ayanrinde (3SC) – 3SC’s season has been defined by fine margins, and the team continues to struggle in Group A. Striker Samuel Ayanrinde has weathered an injury‑ravaged frontline, scoring braces against Nasarawa United and Plateau United, which secured two of the club’s four wins. He must keep scoring to help the team stay safe, even as top‑three hopes fade.
**Midfielders**
Cyril Olisema (Akwa United) – Beyond orchestrating play for Akwa United, Cyril Olisema frequently finds himself in scoring positions, already tallying five goals this season. His last three goals came in matches that ended in draws for the Promise Keepers.
Joseph Atule and Abba Umar (Lobi Stars) – Lobi Stars’ driving force this season comes from Joseph Atule, who operates centrally and on the flanks, and his partner Abba Umar. Together they have contributed eleven goals—Atule with five and Umar with six—as the club pushes for a playoff berth.
**Defenders**
Ebube Duru (Rivers United) – Competing domestically and continentally, Rivers United have relied on collective effort, yet left‑back Ebube Duru has added a scoring threat, netting twice from set pieces for the reigning champions.
Ifeanyi Anaemena (Remo Stars) – After three defeats in the first stanza, Remo Stars bolstered their backline by signing former Enyimba and Rivers United defender Ifeanyi Anaemena. His presence in the last four games has brought greater defensive stability, contributing to a four‑game unbeaten run in the second stanza.
**Goalkeepers**
Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance) – While many top goalkeepers have struggled for consistency, Bendel Insurance’s vice‑captain Amas Obasogie has been in fine form, keeping seven clean sheets and conceding the fewest goals (seven) this season.
Kingdom Osayi (Doma United) – Dropped by Sunshine Stars before the season, former MFM keeper Kingdom Osayi joined newly promoted Doma United. Though the Savannah Tigers have attracted little attention, Osayi has been vital, recording four clean sheets and helping the side sit just one place below the top three on goal difference. For Doma’s potential fair‑ytale debut season, Osayi will need to continue delivering crucial saves, as he has done in their four away matches where they secured points.
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