So far, the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL has been filled with intrigues right from the first kick of the ball last year till where we are now.
There has been ups and downs along the road, tranquility and pandemonium, claims and counter claims, attacks and counterattacks, all for the beautiful game of the Nigerian topflight club football. But there has been a department less talked about and that is the goalkeeping area. Not only the goal scorers contribute to the success of a team but also the shot stoppers as well. Strikers may win you matches but good goalkeepers win you tournaments.
A couple of goalkeepers in the NPFL have contributed in no small measure to the success of their teams, most especially the ones in the top half of the league table. Remo Stars safest hands, Kayode Bankole and Rivers United’s shot stopper, Victor Sochima are one clean sheet each away from equaling last year’s goalkeeping sensation and highest clean sheet tally Akwa United’s goalie Adewale Adeyinka who made 16 clean sheets last term. Both goalkeepers have been in flying forms for thier respective clubs to secure a top spot this year and possibly dethrone the current record holder. Adeyinka propelled his side in winning the NPFL in the 2020/2021 season and was also awarded the golden glove as well and that is the most clean sheet in history of the Nigerian league.
Adewale Adeyinka equalled, broke and set up a new record last season after surpassing Suraj Ayeleso’s 15 clean sheets tally and now may be short lived if Bankole faces his club in match day 33.
Wikki Tourist goal keeper, Mohammed Galadima has also done great this season and he also is in a good position of getting the prestigeous award as he commands 13 clean sheets to his name, though not enough to take his side out of 10th position yet.
7th place Sunshine Stars can boast of a goalie with 12 clean sheets. Mustapha Lawal is also in a poise position to clinch the coveted award come end of the season.
Current record holder, Adewale Adeyinka of Akwa United still has hopes alive to at least replicate his achievements of last season if not to set a new record or winning the golden glove this year.
