Akwa United’s goalkeeper Jean Efala and head coach Kennedy Boboye have scooped the Nigeria Premier Football League’s Player and Coach of the Month awards for March, following an impressive run of form by the club.
Efala, the Cameroonian shot-stopper and club captain, was outstanding between the sticks, keeping four clean sheets in five matches. His consistency earned him the edge over other strong contenders including teammate Uche Sebastian, Liman Ahmadu (Sunshine Stars), Joseph Atule (Enyimba), Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors), and Samson Olasupo (Remo Stars).
On the touchline, Boboye masterminded Akwa United’s unbeaten run in March, securing four wins and one draw across five fixtures. He beat out top tacticians like Finidi George of Rivers United, Ladan Bosso of Bayelsa United, and Plateau United’s Mangut Mbwas to claim the monthly honour.
This is the first time this season that any individual from Akwa United has claimed the prestigious monthly honours, which are organised by the League Bloggers Award (LBA) to spotlight excellence in the NPFL.
Editorial
Success in football is rarely about just one player or one strategy. It's about synergy—where leadership, execution, and belief meet. And for Akwa United, the month of March was proof that when a team clicks, awards and recognition are the natural result.
Jean Efala’s performances were the backbone of Akwa’s resurgence. Four clean sheets in five games isn’t luck it’s discipline, confidence, and command. His positioning, decision-making, and reflexes elevated not just his own reputation but also instilled belief in the backline.
Equally, Kennedy Boboye’s recognition is richly deserved. His tactical clarity and ability to inspire his players turned what could have been a mediocre month into a defining one. Under his guidance, Akwa United transformed into one of the league’s most organised sides balancing attack and defence with finesse.
This double accolade should serve as a reminder to the rest of the NPFL Akwa United are back in the conversation. And as the season progresses, opponents would be wise to take note. Recognition is great but for a side with this momentum, silverware may soon follow.
Did You Know?
- Jean Efala is a full Cameroonian international and was part of the Indomitable Lions squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- Kennedy Boboye previously led Plateau United to an NPFL title in the 2016–17 season.
- Akwa United won their first-ever NPFL title in 2021 under coach Boboye.
- The League Bloggers Award (LBA) was launched in 2009 and has become the most consistent award platform in Nigerian club football.
- Efala’s four clean sheets in March are the most by any NPFL goalkeeper in a single month this season.
