In a special ceremony, Nasarawa United’s exceptional attacker, Anas Yusuf, on Tuesday, at the Blue Spring hotel, Abuja, was honoured with the prestigious Nigeria Premier Football League’s Golden Boot Award for the 2024/25 Campaign.
A statement by Eche Amos, Director of Media, Nasarawa United FC, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau, represented by the Secretary General of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, supported by the NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, presented the award and two million naira (N2,000,000.00) prize money to the player.
With an impressive tally of eighteen goals that helped the Solid Miners escape relegation last season, Anas is the exact definition of raw talent, skill, energy, precision, hardwork and commitment.
The deadly Nasarawa United’s attacker who scored Nigeria’s first goal in the country’s 2-0 Group D win over Congo in Tanzania at the recently concluded CHAN Championship competition, has been the subject of many interests from notable clubs around the world, and Tuesday’s recognition has further boosted his valuation and high-demand amongst clubs.
Speaking to Nasarawa United media shortly after receiving the award, Anas said, “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 support, hard work, and dedication.
“I am grateful to have such an amazing team behind me.
“My deepest gratitude to the League organizers 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.”
Nasarawa United’s Chairman, Solomon Babanjah, who attended the NPFL Golden Boot Award ceremony, alongside Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Usman Galadima, extended his congratulations to the player, praising his outstanding achievement and significant contribution to the team’s success.
“As a club, we are so happy for this milestone by our highly dedicated player and bundle of talent, Anas Yusuf.
“Scoring a whooping eighteen goals in a single season in a difficult league like the NPFL is no mean feat.
“Anas Yusuf became the 4th player from Nasarawa United to win the Golden Boot Award, after 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.
“We thank his teammates who continue to support his growth and development. We thank the Coaches, the Management, Backroom Staff, and Supporters’ Club for their continued support.
“Importantly, we thank our sports-loving Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for his mentorship, continued support, both in cash and kind, huge motivation, and provision of a conducive environment which continue to propel us to aspire for greatness.
“We also appreciate the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, who continues to stand by us in all ramifications.
“To the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, Staff of the Ministry, we thank you enormously.
“We extend our gratitude to the Nasarawa State Football Association headed by Salisu Usman Galadima, the State Referees’ Council, Members of the Media, Fans and stakeholders around the world, for their valuable contributions to the Club.
“We pray for a better season to reward all the supports and prayers for the team”, Babanjah said.
Anas will be travelling with the Solid Miners to Aba, Abia State, where he hopes to open his goal account for the new season when United face Enyimba in the 2025/26 NPFL match-day three encounter on Sunday, 7th September, 2025, by 4pm.
Nasarawa United defeated Abia Warriors 1-0 on match-day two at the Lafia City Stadium last Sunday, and will hope to carry the same aura to the Enyimba Stadium coming weekend to maintain their victory mood.
