The second round of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has thrown up a few surprises as the pretenders are being separated from the contenders.
Doma United's fiery start has fizzled out. The newly promoted team, once comfortably nestled in the top three, now find themselves precariously close to the relegation zone.
This dramatic turnaround highlights the unforgiving nature of the NPFL, where consistency is key.
On the other hand, Shooting Stars have experienced a remarkable revival under the guidance of manager Gbenga Ogunbote.
After a mid-table finish in the first round, Ogunbote's tactical tinkering has propelled them to within five points of league leaders, Rangers. This resurgence is a testament to Ogunbote's coaching prowess, and the unwavering determination of the Shooting Stars squad.
Rangers on the rise
Table-toppers Rangers have also done well by racking up an unbeaten run at the start of the second round that saw them surge to the top after Remo Stars and Lobi faltered.
Here are six players who have been outstanding in the second half of the season helping to carry their teams to respectable positions on the table.
Six NPFL stars shining bright
While the fight for the NPFL titles rages on, these players have emerged as shining stars in the second half of the season. These talented individuals have played a pivotal role in propelling their teams towards respectable positions on the table.
With six games left, there are more points to be taken and some lost as the battle for the title and race to drop heats up.
1. Clinton Jephta – Niger Tornadoes
Clinton Jephta is a revelation for Niger Tornadoes. This skillful attacker, primarily deployed as a right winger, uses his blistering pace and agility to torment defenders and create scoring opportunities.
Signed from a lower division side in 2023, Jephta has become an indispensable part of the Tornadoes' attack.
His early struggles in front of goal are a distant memory. After failing to find the net in the first round, Jephta has exploded in the second half, racking up an impressive 5 goals and 4 assists in over 25 appearances.
His contributions have lifted the Tornadoes out of the relegation zone and earned him cult hero status among the fans.
Jephta's direct running, quick footwork, and knack for beating defenders are a joy to watch. He's also a gifted crosser, consistently delivering pinpoint balls for his teammates to attack.
His impact is undeniable, making him Niger Tornadoes' talisman in the second half of the season.
2. Deputy Echeta – Rivers United
Deputy Echeta is another exciting talent who has made a significant impact for Rivers United since joining them from Bendel Insurance FC last year. This left-winger utilizes his pace, skill, and vision to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Echeta's dazzling footwork and agility allow him to glide past defenders with ease. He's also an expert at delivering pinpoint crosses and passes, regularly setting up his teammates for goals.
This season, he has been a constant threat, scoring 6 goals and providing 2 assists in just 23 appearances across the NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup.
His impressive goal involvement rate of 1.5 per game places him among the most productive players in the league.
Echeta's tireless work ethic, both offensively and defensively, combined with his adaptability to different formations, makes him a valuable asset to Rivers United and a stand-out performer in the second half of the season.
The remaining matches of the season promise to be a nail-biting affair for Echeta and Rivers United who have three outstanding games to catch up with the rest of the league
3.. Chibuike Nwaiwu – Enyimba
Unarguably one of the best players in the Nigeria Professional Football League in the last two seasons, as he has constantly churned out impressive performances in the middle for the reigning champions.
Tall, strong, and built like a tank, Nwaiwu has been key to Enyimba’s push to the title in the second round of the season.
He didn’t start the league on a positive note after his issues with the club related to a transfer abroad, but he has put that behind him and has shown why he is highly rated with top performances for the Elephants.
Nwaiwu’s versatility has seen him play at center-back a few times for the team due to injuries within the squad to accentuate his importance to Enyimba.
When fit, as he has had his own battles with injuries of recent, he is one of the first names on Finidi George’s matchday lineup.
The 20-year-old is one of the best players in the league, and has done incredibly for his team in the second half of the NPFL season.
4. Godwin Obaje – Enugu Rangers
Enugu Rangers have been arguably the in-form team at the moment, and it has shown in their position on the log. They quietly went about their business in the second round and have now gone weeks at the top of the NPFL log.
Veteran striker Godwin Obaje has been at the forefront of this push for a first title for Rangers since 2016 with his all-round display and goals.
The lanky striker has scored 9 goals for Rangers with three assists to lead them to the top of the table.
His demeanor on the pitch might fool a lot, but he's a deadly finisher who is experienced and well-traveled in the league, having featured in the past for the likes of Abia Warriors, Plateau United, Wikki Tourists, and the defunct FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Fidelis Illechukwu will be hoping to lead the ‘Flying Antelopes’ to another league title, and he will definitely count on the second-round form of Obaje to make it happen.
5. Nduka Junior – Remo Stars
Nduka Junior emerges as a stalwart in Remo Stars' defensive line, embodying loyalty, leadership, and resilience.
A veteran of the club, Nduka has been instrumental in guiding Remo Stars through their journey from the Nigeria National League to the top-flight, assuming the role of captain and defensive linchpin along the way.
While his season didn't commence in his usual dependable fashion, Nduka has emerged as the backbone of Dan Ogunmodede's side, marshalling the defense with authority and finesse.
His organizational skills, aerial prowess, and astute positioning have made him a formidable force to reckon with in the backline.
Remo Stars have conceded 28 goals in 32 matches – the third-best defensive performance in the league, only bettered by Bendel Insurance (25) and Enyimba (26), which is a testament to Nduka’s leadership qualities as a captain and the conductor of Remo’s backline.
With Nduka at the helm, Remo Stars' aspirations of glory remain within reach, fueled by his unwavering commitment and determination. His contributions both on and off the pitch serve as a source of inspiration for his teammates as they seek a first-ever NPFL title.
6. Christian Pyagbara – Shooting Stars
When Shooting Stars signed the former Flying Eagles star at the start of the season, it raised a lot of eyebrows.
Not that Pyagbara was not a good player, but fans in Ibadan were not sure if the striker, who can also play on the wings, fit the profile they wanted.
Injuries and fitness issues made him miss a huge chunk of the first round, but his performances in the second round have Ibadan fans singing his praises.
His six goals in the second round have propelled Shooting Stars to fourth place on the log with 52 points from 32 matches as they make a late fight for a spot on the continent.
A lot of Shooting Stars fans will not forget Pyagbara’s late goal in Kano that earned them a famous 2-1 away win.
Surely, the former U-20 star has been one of the standout performers in the second round of the NPFL.
