Bayelsa United’s Coach Meremu Okara and Kano Pillars forward Ibrahim Mustapha have emerged winners of the League Bloggers Awards’ player and coach honours for February 2024, following their sterling performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
Okara, who wins the award for the first time in his coaching career, faced stiff opposition from December’s winner, Mangut Mbwas of Plateau United, Sporting Lagos’ Paul Offor and Fidelis Ilechukwu who also led his side, Rangers, to three consecutive victories in February.
Under Okara, the Restoration Boys cruised to three consecutive wins against Gombe United, Akwa United, and Doma United, scoring five goals in the process, conceding none, and climbing away from the relegation zone.
It was the first time Bayelsa would steer comfortably away from the drop zone since the start of the 2023/24 season.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars sharpshooter, Mustapha (alias Yuga) also had a memorable month and, was named the NPFL player of the month for his goal-scoring heroics against Heartland, Sunshine Stars and Katsina United, despite his side’s struggle to win only one of those three matches.
February also saw the 26-year-old forward hit the 60-NPFL-goals career mark, a milestone achieved by only a handful in the league.
Both Okara and Mustapha will be presented their plaques by the LBA at their club training grounds this week.