In a bid to promote the Nigerian league locally, a group of Nigerian football enthusiasts/aficionados, and media personnel in 2009 organized and launched (birthed) what is now called THE LEAGUE BLOGGERS AWARDS. The creation of this award was to recognise the efforts of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigerian Women's Football League (NWFL), and the Nigerian football second-tier - Nigerian National League (NNL) after the rigours of the marathon which comprises 38 games in total.
So, to reward the gladiators on the football pitch who have put in their best amongst the rest, The League Bloggers Awards organised a Gala Night to celebrate the conclusion of the 2023/2024 season with some award-winning prizes. Aside from putting up an amazing Award ceremony on Lagos Island, the LBA has handed wait for it, close to 20 Monthly Honours to Players and Coaches in the just concluded 2023/2024 NPFL season.
THE GAINS:
One of the positives of this year's Award was that Official54fx an economy of fans promoting African football were the event's headliner sponsor for the Award Gala. The Official54fx as a sports and football lover has been so amazing in covering the league and as well the Super Eagles. They beamed their searchlights in every nook and craning of the country. In all honesty, they have been outstanding.
Alongside Official54fx is also Matchroom Sports and Media. A sports marketing/sponsorship activation Agency also had good hands in seeing the Awards live up to its billing.
THE TAKE-HOME:
The major reason for the night was for the AWARDS. The names of nominees were pencilled down. The gongs were glittering and ready to be taken away by men in suits, men in blazers and other eye-catching attire from the guests. In summary, 16 categories and 17 awards were presented and winners went home with them and some who were not present got them via proxy. The categories include:
- NPFL Player of The Season - Chijioke Mbaoma of Enyimba who finished the season as Top scorer with 17 goals.
- NPFL Coach of The Season - Fidelis Ilechukwu of Rangers won it after beating Remo Stars' Daniel Ogunmodede to the gong.
- NPFL Best Foreign Player of The Season - Frank Mawuena of Remo Stars.
•NPFL Rookie of The Season - Sani Suleiman of Akwa United who joined from Wikki Tourist and raked in 11 goals in the process. - NPFL Goal Keeper of The Season - Amas Obasogie. He kept the cleanest sheets in the concluded season. Bender Insurance.
- NPFL Defender of The Season- Sodiq Ismail of Remo Stars. The right full-back was the chief creator of the past season with 13 assists to his credit.
- NPFL Midfielder of The Season- Kazeem Ogunleye of Rangers. Fantastic lad with a good left foot.
- NPFL Fans of The Season - Shooting Stars of Ibadan. The Oluyole Warriors fans were vociferous while supporting their darling team.
- NPFL Club Media of The Season - Sporting Lagos. "The Tech Boys" as they are fondly called. They brought different dimensions in terms of media engagement.
- NWFL Coach of The Season- Moses Adiku of Edo Queens scoop this one.
•NWFL Player of The Season - Emem Essien of Edo Queens. She was brilliant. - NNL Player of The Season - Kparobo Arierhi of Beyond Limits Football Academy. This guy is a defender's nightmare. The lad has a bright future.
- NPFL Young Player of The Season (for performers in the NPFL Youth League).
- Best Brand Sponsorship of NPFL team) - Afrinvest for Enugu Rangers. This Jersey (brand) was sold out
- Best Government Sponsorship of NPFL Team - Enugu State Government. The governor did back their team and they had the title to show for it.
- Best Brand Sponsorship of NNL Team) - BetKingNG for Ikorodu City.
The League Bloggers Awards has promised to do more in the subsequent years. Kudos to the organisers for a job well done. Every guest that came for the Gala went home with full value.