234football NPFL Team of Match Day 28: Super subs Kalla, Akile and Asiegbu named

By Akila Matawal
The latest round of fixtures kicked off at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, with Akwa United beating bottom side Adamawa United 2-0 to extend their unbeaten run to 18 matches. It ended with MFM’s clash with Wikki Tourists on Monday, which finished 1-0 in favour of the Olukoya Boys.
Jigawa Golden Stars defied the odds to pip title challengers Kano Pillars 1-0 in Kaduna. That feat earns Gilbert Opana our coach-of-the-week honours.
In Aba, Enyimba’s title push suffered a setback as they were held to a goalless draw by Nasarawa United.
We take a look at the players who impressed in the Nigeria top-flight during last weekend’s round of fixtures. We have adopted a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper:
Daouda Kassaly (Katsina United)
Despite his side’s loss to Rivers United, Katsina United’s Daouda Kassaly has been picked as the goalkeeper of the week, having made the most saves during the matchday. The goalkeeper made four big saves in the game.
Right Back:
Chigozie Obasi (Nasarawa United)
The defender helped Nasarawa United hold danger man Anayo Iwuala in check in the goalless draw at Enyimba. He timed his tackles to perfection and showed experience during dangerous moments.
Left-back:
Roland Precious (MFM FC)
Arguably MFM FC’s best player in their 1-0 victory over Wikki Tourists, he defended astutely and looked dangerous with set-pieces.
Centre-back:
Umar Ibrahim (Jigawa Golden Stars)
Umar Ibrahim thwarted Kano Pillars’ attacking moves numerous times as Jigawa Golden Stars beat Kano Pillars 1-0 in Kaduna.
Centre-back:
Tebo Franklin (Nasarawa United)
With the Nasarawa United full-backs keeping things tight, Enyimba occasionally opted to attack through the middle. Tebo Franklin proved that he is one of the best centre-backs in the country, as he made several blocks, interceptions and headed clearances that prevented the ball from reaching the Enyimba forwards.
Defensive Midfielder:
Tony Shimaga (Enugu Rangers)
Enugu Rangers’ Tony Shimaga was calm and composed as Rangers picked up a vital point at Dakkada, who were energetic all evening.
Attacking Midfielder:
Shedrach Asiegbu (Enugu Rangers)
Ex-Abia Warriors’ Shedrach Asiegbu came off the bench to salvage a point for Rangers with a trademark goal in the 88th minute.
Central Midfielder:
Austine Osayande (Dakkada FC)
Dakkada’s Austine Osayande dazzled in the 1-1 draw with Rangers and provided the assist for Isaac George’s opener.
Right Winger:
Ali Kalla (Jigawa Golden Stars)
Jigawa Golden Stars had Ali Kalla to thank for coming off the bench to get the goal that sealed all three points for them against Pillars. The win moved the Dutse side further away from the red zone.
Centre Forward:
Sadeeq Yusuf (Sunshine Stars)
Sunshine Stars got a second straight home win with a 2-1 victory over Abia Warriors. Sadeeq Yusuf got both goals for the Owena Whales.
Left Winger:
Monday Akile (Lobi Stars)
Lobi Stars’ Monday Akile came off the bench to score and provide an assist as the Pride of Benue beat Kwara United 2-0 in Makurdi. What an impact he had!
Coach:
Gilbert Opana (Jigawa Golden Stars)
The Jigawa Golden Stars gaffer gets our honours for guiding his side to a 1-0 win against title-chasing Kano Pillars.