The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is blessed with lots of quality goalkeepers.
Week in week out, these shot-stoppers step into the pitch, showcasing exquisite reflexes, top-notch saves and unbelievable ball control.
But who from the bunch has been the most impressive, in terms of clean sheets and goals conceded after 25 matches?
Here are the top five.
- George Michael – El kanemi Warriors
George Michael is one shot-stopper who has been spectacular so far. Michael’s prowess behind the sticks has helped El Kanemi to second on the standings. In 25 games, the charismatic goalie has racked up eight clean sheets but shipped in 26 goals.
- Mustapha Aliko – Niger Tornadoes
Niger Tornadoes owe their present 10th place standing to inspirational skipper and goalie, Mustapha Aliko. A veteran in the domestic scene, Aliko has amassed 10 clean sheets thus far. But his defenders seem to be letting him down, having been beaten 23 times.
- Olorunleke Ojo – Akwa United
When it comes to ingenuity in saving penalties this term, then no one comes close to Akwa United new boy, Olorunleke Ojo. Ojo has shut out six spot kicks, a feat which triggered his move from Sunshine Stars in the mid-season transfer. To add to that, the goalie didn’t pick the ball from his own net on nine occasions.
- Dele Ajiboye – Plateau United
It is no coincidence that Plateau United are flying high in the NPFL this season after capturing experienced goalie, Dele Ajiboye from Warri Wolves. Ajiboye, who has represented Nigeria at every cadre, has been impressive for the Jos-based side, amassing seven clean sheets and conceding just 18 goals.
- Suraj Ayeleso – Nasarawa United
Suraj Ayeleso has obviously been the finest shot-stopper thus far in the league. In terms of clean sheets, he has garnered the most with 11. And when it comes to goals conceded, the Nasarawa United man has stood out also, having been beaten just 17 times, the most by any goalie.
