Five Breakthrough Players of the NPFL 2022-2023 Season

Five Breakthrough Players of the NPFL 2022-2023 Season
Credit: Iconsport

The just concluded 2022-2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season has been a memorable one for most players. This is because some of the NPFL players experienced breakthrough campaigns in their quest to make a name for themselves.

Some of the players who put up good performances for their clubs during the season, got rewarded for their hard work which was evident in their displays during the regular season and in the Super Six playoffs. We'll look at five of these players whose 2022-2023 NPFL season was a breakthrough season for them.

Victor Sochima

Victor Sochima was named in the Super Eagles’ squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double header against Guinea-Bissau by head coach, Jose Peseiro in March. He was again named in the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sierra Leone in June, for his performances in goal for Rivers United in the league

The former Katsina United shot-stopper played a key role in Rivers United winning the 2022 Nigeria Premier Football League title, and had another key role in Rivers United quest to retain the league in 2023 which was only cut short on lesser goal difference on the last day of the just concluded season. It is not known if he will start against the Leone Stars, but his performances this season has been one to remember for the shot-stopper.

Nwachukwu Divine

Divine Nwachukwu in his debut season for Bendel Insurance had a breakthrough season. As a matter of fact, he was the most exciting midfielder in the just concluded season.

The attacking midfielder was in the heart of the midfield for Bendel Insurance when they went unbeaten in 21 NPFL games. It'll interest you to know that Divine was the most scoring midfield player in the championship playoffs, and also the leading goalscorer in the title-deciding rounds with 3 goals to his name.

His performances impressed Super Eagles coach, Poseiro, who invited him to the Super Eagles 2023 AFCON qualifying match against the Leone Stars for his electrifying performances during the season, and especially in the playoffs.

SEE ALSO | Peseiro Scouts NPFL Super Eagles Invitees on Super Six Matchday 5

Chukwuemeka Obioma

If there was a player who carried his team on his shoulders more in the concluded NPFL season, that would be Chukwuemeka Obioma, whose 16 goals contribution for Enyimba FC ensured the People's Elephants emerged Champions of the league for a record 9th time.

The concluded abridged season was Obioma's season from a striker's perspective, as he won the Golden Boot and N500,000 cash reward. He said he will continue to improve himself to achieve more.

“What a special moment in my professional life! Winning a Golden Boot, it’s a privilege for me. I’ll keep challenging myself because I want to do better every time, and I want to keep chasing for more records. We want to keep winning more titles and more trophies with personal awards.”

Although his performances this season did not earn him a call-up to the Super Eagles, still, it was a breakthrough season for the strong striker.

Olorunleke Ojo

Olorunleke Ojo was in goal for Enyimba in the concluded season. The shot-stopper was imperious for the Elephants, keeping 9 clean sheets for the champions last season. His two clean sheets in the championship playoffs proved pivotal to Enyimba's title triumph on goal difference.

It was a breakthrough season for the goalkeeper, who also represented Nigeria's U20 side in time past, and also earned a call-up to the Super Eagles camp for the 2023 AFCON qualifying match against the Leone Stars on Sunday.

Chidiebube Duru

The Rivers United defender enjoyed a breathtaking season in left back for the Pride of Rivers, who narrowly failed to defend their league title in the deciding affair with the eventual champions, Enyimba.

Ebube Duru scored 5 goals and registered 2 assists in 25 appearances for Rivers United from the just concluded 2023 season. His performances earned him an invitation to the Super Eagles squad for AFCON qualifying match against the Leone Stars

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

Joseph Abadi
Joseph is a freelance writer who spends most of his time writing engaging football contents. Based in Nigeria, Joseph is a die-hard Real Madrid fan with over 8 years experience in the sports betting space. He has covered football match previews, predictions, and news across leagues in Africa and Europe.
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