In a special ceremony held on Tuesday at the Blue Spring Hotel in Abuja, Nasarawa United’s sensational forward, Anas Yusuf, was officially honored with the prestigious Nigeria Professional Football League’s Golden Boot Award for the 2024/25 season. The award, along with a prize of two million naira, was presented by the Secretary General of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, who was representing the NFF President, Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau. They were joined by the NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.
Anas’s impressive tally of eighteen goals was instrumental in helping the Solid Miners avoid relegation, solidifying his reputation as a player of immense talent, skill, and commitment. The prolific attacker, who also scored Nigeria’s first goal in a 2-0 win over Congo at the recent CHAN Championship, has since attracted significant interest from clubs worldwide. This latest recognition is expected to further boost his value and demand.
Speaking to Nasarawa United’s media team after the ceremony, a humbled Anas expressed his gratitude. “I am truly humbled to receive this prestigious award,” he said. “I want to thank God Almighty, my family, teammates, coaches, management, and the entire club for their relentless support. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without their hard work and dedication.”
He also extended his thanks to the league organizers, supporters, fans, and the media for their love and solidarity. “I am looking forward to an exciting new league season,” Anas added, “God keeping us alive and healthy.”
Nasarawa United Chairman, Solomon Babanjah, who attended the event alongside the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Usman Galadima, praised Anas’s outstanding achievement. “As a club, we are so happy for this milestone by our highly dedicated player,” Babanjah stated. “Scoring a whooping eighteen goals in a difficult league like the NPFL is no mean feat.”
Babanjah highlighted that Anas is the fourth Nasarawa United player to win the Golden Boot, following in the footsteps of Silas Nwankwo, Sunusi Ibrahim, and Victor Namo. “This means we are not only in the league to win games, we are also determined to produce exceptional talents, and Anas is another living proof,” he said.
The chairman also took the opportunity to thank the team’s coaches, management, backroom staff, and supporters, as well as several key government officials in Nasarawa State, including Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Developmen,t Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, and Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, for their unwavering support. He also thanked the Nasarawa State Football Association, the State Referees’ Council, the media, fans, and stakeholders.
Anas is now set to travel with the Solid Miners to Aba, Abia State, where he hopes to open his goal account for the new season when United faces Enyimba in a Matchday 3 encounter on Sunday, September 7, 2025. After a recent 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors at the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa United will be looking to carry their winning momentum into the Enyimba Stadium.
This report was written by Eche Amos (Fellow, CBS), the Director of Media for Nasarawa United FC.
