Lokosa, Ogunbote make LBA February award nominee

@shagcy Kano Pillars goal poacher Junior Lokosa and Enugu Rangers goalkeeper Femi Thomas are among the four players shortlisted for the League Bloggers Awards (LBA) February player’s award. The others are Kwara United forward Stephen Alfred and Isaac Giwa of Wikki Tourists.

Besides the players, four coaches, who performed excellently during the period have also been nominated for award. They are Gbenga Ogunbote of Rangers, Enyimba’s Paul Aigbogun, Ramson Madu of Heartland and Stanley Eguma of Rivers United, who will vie for the manager of the month prize.

Despite Kwara United’s struggles in the division, Alfred stood out in the month under review, scoring three times - twice in the 3-3 draw at Nasarawa United and once in the 2-1 success over Katsina United.

Rangers stopper Thomas squeezed his way into the shortlist on the back of clean sheet performances against El-Kanemi Warriors, Abia Warriors and Rivers United on the spin. He also put in tip-top display in the 1-1 draw with Kano Pillars and the one-nil loss to title-holders Plateau United.

Wikki left-back Giwa produced one of the eye-catching displays though his team’s results hardly replicated his performance. The former Gombe United man weighed in with two assists as Wikki won once, drew once and lost twice in February.

NPFL leading scorer Lokosa continued his fine form of January into February. He scored three goals in four games helping his club to an unbeaten finish. The ex-First Bank FC striker showed he is also the man for the big occasion, scoring against MFM FC, Enyimba and Rangers.