NPFL Updates: Nasarawa United Striker Gets Award Nomination, Kun Khalifat FC Sign New Player, Other

Anas Yusuf who currently plays for Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club, Nasarawa United, has been shortlisted for the Best Striker prize at the 2025 Nigerian Pitch Awards.

Yusuf will compete for the honour against Atalanta and Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman and Galatasaray hitman Victor Osimhen.

The Nasarawa United striker earned his nomination after an outstanding 2024-2025 NPFL campaign, where he scored 18 goals to finish as the league’s top marksman. He has carried that form into the current season, already finding the net six times for Nasarawa United.

Naija News reports that Lookman won the award last year and also went on to claim the 2024 African Best Player of the Year title.

Elsewhere in the league, Kun Khalifat FC have completed the signing of striker Obari Israel as they seek to revive their season. Israel arrives from non league outfit Acquire FC and is expected to bolster the Owerri based side’s attacking options.

In a statement released by the club, Kun Khalifat described the move as part of their ongoing effort to strengthen the squad with talented and promising players ahead of the mid season phase. Israel is expected to settle quickly as the club look to climb away from the lower reaches of the table.

Kun Khalifat currently sit 19th with 17 points and will face Wikki Tourists in their matchday 18 fixture this weekend.

In Kano, Rivers United head coach Yemi Olarewaju blamed fatigue for his side’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Friday.

Rivers United took an early lead through Osimaga Duke before Usman Maidubji drew Barau FC level. Jimmy Ambrose then put the hosts ahead, while a brace from Kabir Abdullahi sealed an emphatic win for the Maliya Boys and ended Rivers United’s seven game unbeaten run away from home.

“We dominated majority of the game but the outcome wasn’t what we expected as it was due to fatigue,” Olarewaju told the club’s media.

“The league is a marathon we have to put the defeat behind us and concentrate on the next game.”

Barau FC technical adviser Ladan Bosso praised his players for their character and response, especially after a recent home loss to Shooting Stars.

“The last loss at home was a wake up call, as you all know Rivers United is a continental team which they showed it in the game,” Bosso told Barau FC media.

“The goal conceded was as a result of a careless mistake and I commend the players for their determination in getting the victory.”

Barau FC will turn their attention to Tuesday’s league fixture against Nasarawa United as the NPFL season continues to gather momentum.