Gwar wins 'Bloggers' again

Sibi Gwar has become the first top flight actor in Nigeria to win the monthly award organised by Naija Premier League Bloggers Award twice.

The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) leading scorer with 14 goals this term was named as Player for the month of May.

The Niger Tornadoes' striker has retained the award by winning it for a second consecutive time after he was named June's best player.

Lobi Stars' head coach, John Zaki becomes the sixth trainer to claim the Manager's award as he is named winner for the June edition.

"Naija Premier League Bloggers Award has named the duo of Sibi Gwar and John Zaki as the Player and Manager for the June edition of their monthly recognition respectively.

"Gwar of Niger Tornadoes becomes the first player to win the award for the second time after being named as Player for the month of May," a statement from the organisers read.

The Tornadoes’ striker shook off spirited efforts from the like of ThankGod Ike (Warri Wolves), Abdulrahman Bashir (ABS FC), Yahaya Adamu (Rising Stars), Austin Ekpoma (Gombe United) and Dele Olorundare (Sunshine Stars) to retain the Player of the Month.

Gwar’s performance in the games against Kaduna United, Gombe United, Kano Pillars, Heartland and ABS FC did not go unnoticed, as he helped his side climb out of the drop zone in June. He also scored five goals in the survival run of his club.

Former BCC Lions’ legend, Zaki edged a number of big names in the coaching circle of the top flight such as Gbenga Ogunbote (Sunshine Stars), Evans Ogenyi (Jigawa Golden Stars), Justin Tenger (Niger Tornadoes) and Imama Amapakabor (Sharks) to emerge June’s best manager.

No team finished unbeaten in the month of June but Lobi Stars, Sunshine Stars, Kano Pillars, Jigawa Golden Stars, Niger Tornadoes and ABS FC were among teams that lost just once last month.

The panel of Naija Premier League Bloggers Award had to adopt the highest number of points acquired by the clubs in the month of June to whittle down the contenders for the Manager’s award.

In the process Zaki emerged top as Lobi garnered 12 points.

Plaques will be presented to the winners of the Player and Manager award for June by the organisers at a later date.


PAST WINNERS:

JANUARY 2012
Player: Mustapha Babadidi (Gombe United)
Manager: Bernard Ogbe (Gombe United)

FEBRUARY 2012
Player: Chikeluba Ofoedu (Enugu Rangers)
Manager: Okey Emordi (Enugu Rangers)

MARCH 2012
Player: Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
Manager: Kabir Sulaiman Dogo (ABS)

APRIL 2012
Player: Gomo Onduku (Sharks)
Manager: Okey Emordi (Enugu Rangers)

MAY 2012
Player: Sibi Gwar (Niger Tornadoes)
Manager: Austin Eguavoen (Enyimba)