Wikki goalkeeper wins June NPFL-LBA

Wikki Tourists goalkeeper, Emeka Nwabulu, has become the first goalkeeper to be named player of the month by the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) - League Bloggers Awards (LBA).

No goalkeeper has previously managed the feat in the Nigeria top-flight though two custodians, Rotimi Sunday of Rivers United and Enyimba's Theophilus Afelokhai came close to winning the award in May this season but lost out to an outfield player, Godwin Obaje.

Nwabulu becomes the second player from Wikki to win the monthly award this season after Obaje emerged winner in May.

The Wikki custodian kept three clean sheets in five appearances in June, including two on the road at Ikorodu United and Heartland where his club earned four points out of six. His other clean sheet was in the NPFL home game against Enugu Rangers that ended goalless.

He is named for the player's award ahead of Shedrack Oghali (Warri Wolves), Abdulrahman Bashir (Nasarawa United) and Hussaini Bata (El-Kanemi Warriors), who scored three goals each in June.

Maikaba edged the trio of Solomon Ogbeide (Sunshine Stars), Gbenga Ogunbote (Shooting Stars Sports Club) and Kabiru Dogo (Nasarawa United) to win the manager's award for June.

He helped Wikki to garner the most points, including wins at Ikorodu United and victories over heavyweights Enyimba and Kano Pillars, in the month under review. Wikki got 13 points out of 18 available which gives Maikaba 72 per cent points gained in June.

Ogbeide, who masterminded an unbeaten streak for Sunshine Stars, only earned 67 per cent from total points as his team took eight points from 12 while Ogunbote also had 67 per cent points gained after 3SC amassed 10 points from 15.

However, Dogo led Nasarawa United to three wins (all at home) out of four games in June.

Maikaba last won the NPFL-LBA manager for the month award in June last year.

The Wikki pair of Maikaba and Nwabulu will be presented their awards at a later date.

PAST NPFL-LBA WINNERS THIS SEASON

February 2016

Player: Frederick Obomate (Rivers United)

Manager: Kennedy Boboye (Abia Warriors)

March 2016

Player: Chisom Egbuchulam (Enugu Rangers)

Manager: Imama Amapakabo (Enugu Rangers)

April 2016

Player: Okiki Afolabi (Sunshine Stars)

Manager: Imama Amapakabo (Enugu Rangers)

May 2016

Player: Godwin Obaje (Wikki Tourists)

Manager: Paul Aigbogun (Wikki Tourists)