Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf has set his sights on breaking the 20-goal barrier in the new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after officially receiving the 2024/25 Golden Boot award.

Yusuf finished last campaign as the league’s top scorer with 18 goals, a tally that proved decisive in his club’s fight for survival. His award presentation was delayed as he was on international duty with Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles at the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the striker said the recognition had raised his personal ambitions.
“I’m happy to be recognised by the NPFL. This award motivates me to push harder, and I hope to surpass my goal-scoring record from last season and hopefully score more than 20 goals,” Yusuf said.

His target carries historic weight. No player has scored more than 20 goals in an NPFL season since Mfon Udoh’s 23-goal haul for Enyimba in 2014. Since then, several strikers have come close—Anthony Okpotu and Junior Lokosa both netting 19, while Chijioke Akuneto struck 19 in 2022—but the benchmark has remained elusive.

Yusuf dedicated the honour to his support system, praising his teammates and club for playing key roles in his success.
“I am truly humbled to receive this prestigious award. Let me thank God Almighty, my family, teammates, coaches, management, and entire club for their relentless support. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without their hard work and dedication,” he said.

In a separate message shared via Nasarawa United, he expressed gratitude to the NPFL organisers, supporters, and media. “My deepest gratitude to the league organisers for the recognition, and to the supporters, fans, and media for their love, solidarity and projection. I am looking forward to an exciting new league season, God keeping us alive and healthy,” he added.

The NPFL also used the occasion to honour Remo Stars’ head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, who guided the Ikenne-based club to their first-ever league crown with 71 points. The title win was historic, as Remo Stars became the first privately-owned club from South-West Nigeria since 2000 to secure the NPFL championship.

League chairman Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye praised the consistency of recent seasons, which he said had helped strengthen the league’s image and attract sponsors.
“We continue to work around the teething issues that could disrupt the smooth running of the league. Over the last three years, we’ve been able to start and finish the season as scheduled. This consistency has built confidence in the private sector, which is now willing to work with us. Our dream is to raise the quality and standard of the NPFL, ultimately increasing revenue for clubs and organisers,” he said.

With Yusuf setting his sights on history and clubs like Remo Stars breaking new ground, the NPFL heads into its new season with renewed excitement and higher expectations.