Obomate Pleased With Top Gong

Rivers United midfielder, Obomate Frederick has spoken about his happiness after he was voted best performer in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for February.

The midfielder beat off competition from Abia Warriors attacker, Michael Olaha, Wasiu Jimoh (Shooting Stars Sports Club) and Lobi Stars’ ‘goal machine’ Anthony Okpotu to emerge winner of the footballer’s category of the League Bloggers Awards (LBA).

Obomate says he’s “shocked but happy” to have become the first player this season to scoop the prestigious award.

“I am shocked but very happy to win the award.

“Shocked because I was not expecting to win with so many good players in the league and happy because it means hard word is appreciated.

“This means a lot to me but it will not get into my head.

“I will continue working hard to improve and also help Rivers United get a continental position at the end of the season,” he said.

Obomate has scored in every game he has taken part in for United this season.

He scored his maiden goal of the season against champions, Enyimba with a curling free kick from 25-odd yards as United prevailed 1-0 on February 21.

The pint-sized midfielder was at it again three days later when he netted his side’s consolation in the 1-2 loss to Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) FC in Lagos.

Obomate ended the month on a high with a goal and an assist in United’s 2-0 win over FC Ifeanyi Ubah on February 28.

The former Sharks FC man missed his side’s first game in March-a 1-2 reverse in Jos against Giwa FC-because of academic commitments but will return to the United match day squad for Sunday’s league game against Nasarawa United.

Igho Kingsley