League Bloggers Awards 2026: Chidiebere Nwobodo Named NPFL Player of the Season as LBA Honours League Legends
The League Bloggers Awards (LBA) celebrated the finest performers and key contributors to Nigerian football as it hosted the 2026 LBA Gala, recognising outstanding individuals, clubs and corporate partners for their impact on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The event also featured the prestigious Legacy Awards, honouring distinguished personalities whose contributions have shaped the story of the NPFL, both past and present.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, received the LBA Legacy Award in the Governor Category for his support towards sports development, while Remo Stars Sports Club Chairman, Hon. Kunle Soname, was honoured with the Legacy Award for Infrastructure and Sustainability in recognition of his long-term investment in football facilities and club development.
Kano Pillars veterans Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ali were recognised with the LBA Legacy Award in the NPFL Stars category for their remarkable contributions to the Nigerian league.
Former Sharks FC striker Davidson Owumi also received a Legacy Award as the first officially recognised top scorer in the old Nigerian Division One League after finishing as the leading scorer in 1985.
The League Bloggers Awards also recognised corporate organisations that have continued to support Nigerian club football through sponsorship.
BetKing (Ikorodu City), AFRINVES (Rangers International), Eunisell (Abia Warriors) and Bet9ja (Remo Stars) received the Special Recognition Award for Brand Sponsorship, while Ikorodu City was honoured with the Sponsorship Innovation Award.
On the pitch, Bendel Insurance youngster Alex Oweilayefa was named Best Young Player of the Season ahead of Douglas Iyowuna (Rivers United), Chimaobi Igwillo (Rangers International),
Musa Malik and Adeoye Aderemi of Ikorodu City, as well as Mmesoma Nnorom of Kun Khalifat FC.
Barau FC emerged as the Best Newly Promoted Team, while Ikorodu City’s Michael Atata won the Goalkeeper of the Season award.
Rangers International defender Chidozie Iwundu claimed the Defender of the Season prize, while Shooting Stars midfielder Ayobami Junior was named Midfielder of the Season.
Barau FC’s Joseph Atule won the Goal of the Season award for his stunning strike against El-Kanemi Warriors, beating efforts from Ahmed Musa, Hadi Haruna, Farouk Umar and Jonathan Mairiga.
Rangers International continued their dominance by winning Club of the Year, while Jonathan Mairiga (Wikki Tourists), Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars) and Godwin Obaje (Rangers International), who all finished the season with 14 goals, received the Highest Goal Scorer Award.
Kun Khalifat FC’s Obinna Uzoha was presented with the LBA Special Recognition Award for Coach/Club.
Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu capped an impressive campaign by winning Coach of the Season ahead of Finidi George (Rivers United), Nurudeen Aweroro (Shooting Stars) and Bright Ozebagbe (Ikorodu City).
The biggest individual honour of the night went to Rangers International midfielder Chidiebere Nwobodo, who was crowned the LBA Player of the Season after seeing off competition from Joseph Arumala, Godwin Obaje, Ayobami Junior, Victor Mbaoma and Jonathan Mairiga.
LBA 2026 Team of the Season
Goalkeeper
Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)
Defenders
Chibueze Oputa (Rangers International)
Bolu Sholumade (Rivers United)
Chidozie Iwundu (Rangers International)
Kenneth Igboke (Rangers International)
Midfielders
Obinna Nwobodo (Rangers International)
Jonathan Mairiga (Wikki Tourists)
Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars)
Joseph Arumala (Ikorodu City)
Forwards
Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars)
Godwin Obaje (Rangers International)
Coach
Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International)
The awards once again highlighted the League Bloggers Awards’ commitment to celebrating excellence, recognising the outstanding performances, leadership and investments that continue to drive the growth of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
