NPFL Awards ₦2m Each to Top Scorer Anas Yusuf and Coach Ogunmodede

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has celebrated its standout performers of the 2024–25 season with generous rewards. Nasarawa United striker Anas Yusuf, who clinched the Golden Boot with 18 goals, received ₦2 million. Alongside him, Daniel Ogunmodede, head coach of Remo Stars who steered the club to their first-ever NPFL title was similarly honoured with ₦2 million. Remo Stars amassed an impressive 71 points, marking a historic moment as the first privately-owned South-West club to lift the league since 2000 .

At the ceremony in Abuja, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary General of the NFF, praised the league’s steady improvement and called for national backing. “The league is improving week in and week out… instead of castigating our league, let us support and rally around it because the growth is obvious. The NFF fully supports what the NPFL board is doing,” he stated.

Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, NPFL Chairman, reaffirmed the league’s commitment to building consistency and raising standards, emphasising the confidence gained from successfully completing three full seasons on schedule .

Grateful for the recognition, Yusuf described the award as a driving force toward even greater heights: “I’m happy to be recognised by the NPFL. This award motivates me to push harder, and I hope to surpass my goal-scoring record from last season hopefully score more than 20 goals,” he noted.

Editorial

We see this moment as more than a pair of awards it represents the NPFL’s rising promise and the inspiring stories behind its stars. Anas Yusuf’s ascent to top scorer with 18 goals speaks to raw talent, relentless effort, and a hunger that refuses to wane. Meanwhile, Daniel Ogunmodede’s leadership brought Remo Stars to their first league crown—an achievement that will echo in Nigeria’s football history.

We believe these recognitions deserve to serve as catalysts for widespread confidence. When players earn generous rewards and coaches receive due honour, it strengthens belief across the league that excellence will not go unnoticed. The NPFL’s growing operational consistency, as highlighted by both Sanusi and Elegbeleye, now offers a foundation for sustained progress and investor trust.

We feel compelled to underline how vital it is for stakeholders—fans, sponsors, administrators alike—to rally around such successes. Celebration must turn into support applause into tangible backing. For Yusuf, there’s a chance to break his own record. For Ogunmodede, a pathway to cement stellar coaching credentials. And for the NPFL, an opportunity to build not just matches, but legacies.

As these figures ride this wave of recognition, let us also ride alongside them—nurturing, investing, and believing. Because when stars like Anas and Ogunmodede shine, they illuminate a brighter future for football across Nigeria.

Did You Know?

1. Anas Yusuf also won the Eunisell Boot Award, earning ₦3.6 million in total for his 18-goal haul—calculated at ₦200,000 per goal.
2. Daniel Ogunmodede developed a coaching philosophy known as “Ijaball”, blending influences from Mourinho, Klopp, and Guardiola into a proactive possession game.
3. Remo Stars became the first South-West-based club to win the NPFL since Julius Berger in 2000.
4. The 2024–25 NPFL season featured 380 matches, with a total of 784 goals scored across all teams.
5. Anas Yusuf was born on 1 February 2004 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and began his football journey at age 12 with FC Basira before eventually rising to prominence.