NPFL 2026/27: Ex-Super Eagles Keeper Support Goalkeepers With ₦500,000 Reward

NPFL 2026/27: Ex-Super Eagles Keeper Support Goalkeepers With ₦500,000 Reward

By BSN Sports 

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa has renewed his commitment to supporting Nigeria’s home-based goalkeepers, pledging ₦500,000 towards the Elite Goalkeeper Platform as the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season gets underway, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The initiative, founded three years ago by a group of coaches and former players led by former Super Eagles and Shooting Stars goalkeeper Coach John Dosu, has emerged as a consistent player-welfare and recognition platform for goalkeepers in the domestic league.

Ezenwa, who previously featured for clubs including Enyimba and Heartland, has remained the principal sponsor of the initiative, providing financial rewards aimed at motivating goalkeepers and recognising their contributions to Nigerian football.

The latest pledge comes as all 20 NPFL clubs prepare for the opening round of the 2026/27 campaign this weekend.

According to Dosu, Ezenwa’s support has been instrumental in sustaining the initiative since its establishment.

“We started this thing just three years ago, coming together as one, just to encourage our home-based goalkeepers,” Dosu said.

“Ezenwa has been the one sponsoring. May God Almighty continue to bless him abundantly.”

The platform operates a reward system covering both players and coaches. Its established categories include a ₦10,000 prize for the Best Goalkeeper of the Week across the 38-game league season, as well as seasonal awards for the Best Goalkeeper and Best Goalkeeping Coach.

The latest ₦500,000 pledge further reinforces Ezenwa’s long-standing commitment to rewarding excellence in the goalkeeping department.

The initiative has also attracted support from several respected figures in Nigerian goalkeeping, including Femi Thomas, Tony Dombraye, Dahiru, Dele Aiyenugba, Bassey Akpan, Mazi and Benjamin, who have contributed through mentoring, scouting and technical support.

The platform has equally received financial backing from active Super Eagles goalkeepers. Ojo Olorunleke donated ₦500,000 to be shared among participating goalkeepers following the Africa Cup of Nations, while Amas Obasogie also contributed ₦500,000 in appreciation of those involved in the project.

Dosu believes such gestures are particularly important because goalkeepers often receive less recognition than outfield players despite playing a decisive role in matches.

“People celebrate goals, but they forget the man who makes five saves to keep you in the game,” he said.

“This platform is about dignity. It tells a young goalkeeper in Katsina, Uyo or Enugu that if you work hard, someone is watching and someone will reward you.”

With the 2026/27 NPFL season expected to benefit from improved broadcast coverage and greater access to performance data, the competition for the platform’s top goalkeeper award could become even more intense.

Performance indicators such as consistency, shot-stopping, command of the penalty area, distribution and overall contribution to a team’s defensive performance are expected to form part of the assessment.

Beyond the financial rewards, organisers believe the initiative can contribute to raising the standard of goalkeeping in the domestic league by encouraging clubs to invest more in specialised training and creating greater motivation for young players to pursue the position professionally.

Dosu described Ezenwa’s contribution as particularly significant because of his experience as a former Super Eagles goalkeeper.

“God bless Ikechukwu Ezenwa for this opportunity,” Dosu said. “Because of him, our best goalkeeper of the season will have something real to work hard for.

“This is coming directly from him as a former Super Eagles goalkeeper who understands the struggles.”

The Elite Goalkeeper Platform plans to continue its weekly recognition programme throughout the season while tracking performances and publishing its selections in a transparent manner.

Three years after it began as a modest effort to encourage home-based goalkeepers, the initiative is gradually developing into an important recognition platform for one of the most demanding positions in Nigerian football.

With Ezenwa’s latest pledge, NPFL goalkeepers once again have an added incentive to compete for excellence throughout the 2026/27 season.