Anozie, Ali, Ojo… TheCable’s NPFL team of the week

After a wide-screen weekend of goals, near misses, joy and despair, TheCable picks the best XI from Nigeria Professional Football League Week 8’s games.

It was a good matchday eight for Enyimba, Akwa United, El-Kanemi Warriors, Plateau United and Kwara United as they won their matches.

Chinedu Anozie [FC Ifeanyi Ubah]

Restricted Heartland to just one goal, which he could do nothing about. Always alert. ‘The Godfather.’

Innocent Gabriel [Elkanemi Warriors]

Took control early on of the right flank and wouldn’t let go. His quick thinking ensured he accounted for the only goal. ‘Transformer.’

Abisoye Olawale [MFM FC]

The barnstorming defender managed to keep a lid on the enemies and scored. Won most of the aerial battles. ‘Ironman.’

Chinedu Sunday [Kano Pillars]

The defender is on top of his game and absolutely solid and tenacious in every action. Even found time to score against Yobe Desert Stars. ‘True Grit.’

Chinonso Udeh [FC Ifeanyi Ubah]

Another superb performance from the full back. His intelligence saw him set up Chijioke Alaekwe’s goal for the leveller and while always alert defensively, winning his aerial battles, he constantly menaced every time he moved up field. ‘Alien.’

Dayo Ojo [Sunshine Stars]

Played the game as he planned to go on, positively, with a great strike. He controlled the midfield with everything positive going through him.

Rabiu Ali [Kano Pillars]

Did exactly what the top players do by delivering the ball with such sublimity that the recipient has no need to break his stride as he banged home a superb free kick. ‘Easy Rider.’

Chukwuka Onuwa [Enyimba]

The petit midfielder showed what he can do given the chance and scored with a sweet strike that turned out to be the match winner. ‘The Transporter.’

Adamu Mohammed [Gombe United]

Led the line perfectly throughout. He was rewarded with a goal in the 5-2 win over Nasarawa United. ‘Terminator.’

Ndifreke Effiong [Akwa United]

What can you say? Incomparable? Scored twice, while also inspiring many other attempts.

Yusuf Abdulazeez [Gombe United]

Uncompromising, especially in the first half. Scored two clinical strikes and set up his teammates on several occasions. ‘Ben-Hur.’