NNL Unveils December–February Monthly Award Winners as Paul Offor Completes Remarkable Three-Month Coaching Sweep

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced the winners of its monthly awards covering December 2025 and January–February 2026, recognising outstanding players, coaches, and officials across the league.

For December 2025, Ajibola Joel of Stormers SC finished as the highest goal scorer, while Emmanuel S. Daniel of Ranchers Bees FC was named Best Goalkeeper.

Paul Offor, head coach of Akwa United FC, claimed the Best Coach award for the month, while Kada Warriors FC received the Best Behaved Team honour.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Yaro Zakari of Yobe Desert Stars FC, while Daniel Gothom scored the Goal of the Month. Akporogene Ajigeye was named Best Referee.

In January 2026, Tony Ayang of Rovers FC finished as highest goal scorer, while Aloysius Thankgod earned the Best Goalkeeper award.

Coach Offor continued his impressive run by winning Best Coach again, while Rovers FC also picked up the Best Behaved Team award.

The MVP award went to Victor Samuel of Sporting Lagos FC, and Babarinde Taofeek of Gateway FC claimed the Goal of the Month. Eke Henry was named Best Referee.

For February 2026, Innocent Idi of City FC emerged as the highest goal scorer, while Alo Chukwu Pascal of Abakaliki FC won Best Goalkeeper.

Coach Offor completed a remarkable three-month sweep by winning the Best Coach award again.

Lobi Stars FC was named Best Behaved Team for February, while Obisesan Sodiq of Osun United FC secured the MVP honour.

The Goal of the Month award went to Jaffar Ojo of Smart City FC, while Mudashir Shehu was recognised as Best Referee.

The presentation ceremony for the award winners is scheduled to hold on March 30, 2026.

Opinion: Recognition That Can Motivate Nigerian League Talent

Awards like these may seem routine, but they play an important role in motivating players and coaches within Nigeria’s domestic football structure. For many athletes in the NNL, recognition can boost confidence and attract attention from bigger clubs.

Paul Offor’s three consecutive Best Coach awards also highlight how consistency and strong leadership can influence team performance over time. Achievements like this can raise the standard of competition within the league.

However, beyond the celebrations, Nigerian football stakeholders must ensure that such recognitions are backed by improved infrastructure, better funding, and stronger league organization. When talent is rewarded and supported properly, leagues like the NNL can become stronger platforms for developing the next generation of Nigerian football stars. ⚽