Nwagua, Olusesi, Nwani make VAT Wonder Goal award shortlist

@shagcy Kano Pillars’ striker Nyima Nwagua, Enugu Rangers’ ace Tope Olusesi, Ikechukwu Nwani of Nasarawa United and Chidi Nwachukwu of Go Round FC have been shortlisted for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 20 VAT Wonder Goal award.

Nwachukwu is making the list for the second time following his nomination alongside eventual winner of Match Day 18 VAT Wonder Goal, Sikiru Olatunbosun of MFM FC. Nwachukwu got listed this time for his spectacular strike in his club’s 2-1 defeat to FC IfeanyiUbah. It was a goal from outside the 18 yard box where he was gifted a pass, controlled with his right before unleashing a volley which left the goalkeeper stunned.

Kano Pillars were trailing 1-0 in Owerri to troubled Heartland FC but Nwagua scored to deny the hosts another chance to win all three points. Nwagua with just one movement displaced three Heartland defenders to set up a left footed shot that beat an already badly positioned goalkeeper to equalize.

For Nwani, his goal was a demonstration of gusto and calmness all at once. In a near counter attack that had ElKanemi players around the center circle, Nwani received a defense splitting pass from Nojeem Olokukon, slipped the ball in between the legs of the center back and had a horde of El-Kanemi defenders chasing him from the center line close to the edge of the box where he picked his spot to place the ball beyond onrushing goalkeeper.

Olusesi in Jos ensured that Enugu Rangers went away with a point. In a wave of counter offensive after Wikki Tourists lost the ball in Rangers half, left wing back, Isaac Loute located Olusesi who made a perfect control inside the box and under pressure by an opponent, kept his cool to smash a left footed volley straight up the roof of the post.

The player whose goal receives the highest number of votes across both platforms wins the N150,000 prize money, 50 percent of which will be donated to a Charity to be nominated by the player. Such Charity must be based within the state where the club is based.