Three Nigerian players, Femi Azeez, Omar Sowunmi, and Tom Iorpenda, have earned prestigious nominations for the 2026 English Football League (EFL) Awards, a significant recognition of their outstanding performances this season. The winners for these coveted football awards will be unveiled at the league’s annual ceremony in London on Sunday, April 19, placing these athletes among the best in the English league system. This exciting news highlights the growing impact of Nigerian talent abroad, with each player nominated in a major category for their respective divisions.
Millwall’s attacking forward, Femi Azeez, has been shortlisted for the Championship Player of the Season award. The 24-year-old, who is the elder brother of former Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez, has been in impressive form, registering fifteen goal involvements in the second tier of English football. He faces stiff competition for the accolade from Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, Coventry City’s Carl Rushworth, and Swansea City’s Zan Vipotnik.
In League Two, Bromley’s commanding centre-back Omar Sowunmi is in the running for the Player of the Season honour. The 30-year-old defender, who stands at an imposing 6ft 6in, has used his height to great effect, scoring five of his six league goals with his head. Born in Colchester, Sowunmi has expressed a keen interest in representing the Super Eagles if he is approached by the Nigeria Football Federation. He is nominated alongside Aaron Drinan of Swindon Town, Mitch Pinnock from Bromley, and Callum Paterson of Milton Keynes Dons.
Completing the trio of Nigerian nominations is Notts County’s young midfielder, Tom Iorpenda, who has been shortlisted for the League Two Young Player of the Season award. The 21-year-old has been a model of consistency, appearing in all of his club’s league games this season and contributing three goals and six assists. He will compete for the young player trophy with Salford City’s Matty Young, Walsall’s Daniel Kanu, and Gillingham’s Sam Gale. Their achievements on this platform will be closely watched by fans and national team selectors alike, potentially shaping their future international careers.
Leave a Comment