17yo Akwa United superkid Sani Suleiman nominated for NPFL Player of the Season, Rookie of the Season

Akwa United superkid Sani Suleiman is reaping the rewards of a fantastic season, with the winger in the running for two prestigious awards at the League Bloggers Awards. 

The 17-year-old has been nominated for the Nigeria Premier Football League Player of the Season and Rookie of the Season awards.

Suleiman played a key role as Akwa United survived the drop on the final day of the season, scoring 11 goals in nineteen appearances in the second half of the campaign, after joining from Wikki Tourists.

The precocious teenager has been shortlisted for the Player of the Season accolade, alongside Enyimba's Chijioke Mbaoma and Remo Stars' 2024 Super Eagles invitee Sodiq Ismail.

Given that Suleiman has been nominated for the Player of the Season, there are no prizes for guessing that he's the runaway favourite to win the Rookie of the Season, awarded to the best U25 player in his first season in the Nigeria Premier Football League. 

While everything suggests that Suleiman will win the Rookie of the Season, he faces competition from 2023 Fifa U20 World Cup star Daniel Daga of Enyimba and Remo Stars centre-back Ahmed Akinyele. 

Suleiman also featured in the NPFL Team of the Season, comprising the best performing players in the division. 

In a 4-3-3 formation, he starts in a three-man attack also containing Remo Stars' Sikiru Alimi and Enyimba's Chijioke Mbaoma.

Former  Nigeria boss Finidi George considered naming Suleiman in his squad list for the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Republic of Benin in June 2024, but jettisoned the plan after AC Milan winger Samuel was declared fit.

The LBA Gala 2024 is scheduled to take place in Lagos on Friday, July 19.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com