Kwara United’s goalkeeper, Nurudeen Badmus, has been crowned the club’s Player of the Month for October after a fantastic run in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign.
Badmus outshone teammates Aule Johnmark, Gidado Toheeb, and Yahaya Ibrahim, securing a commanding 85.71 per cent of the total votes cast by fans. His composure and reflexes earned him two clean sheets against Katsina United and Rangers, performances that played a key role in Kwara United’s steady climb up the NPFL table.
The in-form shot-stopper maintained his momentum into November, guarding the post as the Harmony Boys cruised past defending champions Remo Stars with a 3-1 victory at the Rashidi Yekini Stadium in Ilorin. Junior Aimufua scored twice, while Babatunde Bright added the third for the home side.
Reacting to the win, Kwara United’s technical adviser, Ashifat Suleiman, praised his players for their character and mental strength. “We had a tough game because we didn’t start well, but we regained ourselves. A well done job from the players because they showed determination and discipline in the game,” Suleiman said after the match.
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United edged Plateau United 2-1 in a closely contested encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Emo James netted both goals for the Prosperity Boys, while Gideon Monday grabbed Plateau’s lone effort.
“The game was tough as expected but I think we gave everything for the victory,” said Bayelsa United head coach, Meremu Okpara. “Bayelsa United deserved the win because we gave 100 per cent.”
Over in Port Harcourt, Nasarawa United fell 1-0 to Rivers United, a result that saw them slip to second place on the table. Despite the defeat, coach Mbwas Mangut was full of praise for his players.
“I commend my boys for their efforts, and I congratulate Rivers United for taking their chance from our defensive mistake,” he told the club’s media. “We are a young team that is self-motivated and highly supported by the Nasarawa State Government. We want to make a name for ourselves and the people of the State.”
At the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, Wikki Tourists extended their unbeaten run to two matches after playing out a goalless draw with Barau FC. Despite dominating much of the game, Abdu Maikaba’s men were frustrated by Barau’s goalkeeper, Yusuf Mohammed, who pulled off a series of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay.
“We needed to be able to grab a point here in Kano, which means a lot as far as the league is concerned,” Maikaba said after the game. “We’ll keep improving, strategise better, and ensure we perform even stronger in the coming games.”
