LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Rangers International emerged as the biggest winners at the 2026 League Bloggers Awards (LBA) Gala, sweeping several of the night’s most prestigious honours in recognition of their outstanding campaign.
The annual awards ceremony celebrated the best performers, clubs and stakeholders in Nigerian football, while also presenting the prestigious Legacy Awards to personalities whose contributions have significantly shaped the growth of the NPFL.
Rangers’ dominance was reflected across both the individual and team categories. Midfielder Chidiebere Nwobodo beat Joseph Arumala, Godwin Obaje, Ayobami Junior, Victor Mbaoma and Jonathan Mairiga to the biggest individual prize of the evening after being named the LBA Player of the Season.
Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu was crowned Coach of the Season after guiding Rangers to an impressive league campaign.
He edged Rivers United’s Finidi George, Shooting Stars’ Nurudeen Aweroro and Ikorodu City’s Bright Ozebagbe to the managerial accolade.
The Flying Antelopes also secured the Club of the Year award, further underlining their status as the country’s outstanding team.
In the individual positional awards, Rangers defender Chidozie Iwundu was named Defender of the Season, while striker Godwin Obaje shared the Highest Goal Scorer Award after finishing the season with 14 goals alongside Victor Mbaoma of Remo Stars and Jonathan Mairiga of Wikki Tourists.
Rangers also dominated the LBA Team of the Season with six representatives. Chibueze Oputa, Chidozie Iwundu and Kenneth Igboke made the defensive line, while Obinna Nwobodo featured in midfield.
Godwin Obaje was named upfront inattack, with Fidelis Ilechukwu selected as the Team of the Season coach.
Beyond Rangers’ success, 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 received the Best Newly Promoted Team award, while Ikorodu City’s Michael Atata emerged as Goalkeeper of the Season.
Barau FC’s Joseph Atule claimed the Goal of the Season award for his spectacular strike against El-Kanemi Warriors, beating goals from Ahmed Musa, Hadi Haruna, Farouk Umar and Jonathan Mairiga.
Kun Khalifat FC’s Obinna Uzoha also received the LBA Special Recognition Award for Coach/Club.
The ceremony also celebrated influential figures whose contributions have helped shape Nigerian football through the LBA Legacy Awards.
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