ASHINZE Joins LBA train

Nigerian league legend, Joseph Ashinze, is expected to boost the presence of football figures at the 2012 League Bloggers Awards (LBA) this Sunday.

The 2012 LBA is the first privately-organised end-of-the-season reward system for the Nigeria Premier League (NPL).

Ashinze has said he will be part of the LBA taking place in Oregun area of Lagos.

"Yes I'll be part of the event by God's grace. It's an honour to have the opportunity to be part of the football community this way after so many years," he said.

He is also expected to present the golden boot to top scorer, Sibi Gwar who scored 16 goals in the season under review.

"That will be a huge honour to play such a role at the event," he rounded off.

Ashinze holds the record as the only player to have won the top scorer award in Nigeria's top flight back-to-back in 1988 and 1989.

In 1988, Ashinze scored eight goals while with Rangers to emerge the leading scorer that season.

A year later he moved to Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland) and scored nine goals after taking his chance with the departure of striking duo of Mike Obiku and Uwakwe Eke that season.