The Nigerian Premier League has been on the rise for the last three years with some innovations both on and off the pitch, resulting in a massive improvement in the overall performance of players and teams. Some players have been very exceptional and consistent in recent seasons and some have given more than 100% in every game they star in for their clubs.

Below is a profile of the top five players in the Nigerian Premier League based on consistency, work-rate, goals scored and influence on their team’s overall performance and position.

Ibrahim Ajani (Akure Sun Stars)
Little Ajani swept the 2010/11 Nigerian Premier League by scoring crucial goals for his team against top opponents. His pace and accuracy in front of goal is terrifying. A natural fighter on the pitch, he has remained a first-team regular and currently tops the league’s scoring charts. His performance has not gone unnoticed as Nigerian Olympic team coach Austin Eguaveon has extended an invite to gem Sunshine Stars of Akure.

Victor Ezeji (Port Harcourt Sharks)
Victor Ezeji remains one of the oldest Premier League players still part of the Garden City team – Sharks of Port Harcourt. Ezeji was a former Super Eagles guest who has distinguished himself in Sharks colors for over ten seasons. He emerged as La Liga’s top scorer in the 2001/2 football season with 16 goals. An accomplished striker with a lot of experience, he was recently invited to the Super Eagles team to participate in Obama’s failed 2011 tournament that was scheduled to take place in the United States of America last month.

Owosu Addae (Port Harcourt Dolphins)
This Ghanaian import has added color and flavor to the Nigerian Premier League with his dazzling display for the Dolphin team. He is an attacking midfielder with an eye for showmanship. He has incredible vision and strength on the ball. Owosu is also good in dead ball situations delivering quality passes. He has scored some crucial goals for the Port Harcourt team in the current season.

Beautiful Musa Kofamata (Heart of Owerri)
Bello has always been an integral part of the Heartland first team following his transfer from Kano Pillars FC two seasons ago. He was a member of the U-20 national team that participated in the 2007 FIFA World Cup hosted by Canada. He is usually deployed in the left back position where he has scored crucial goals for Owerri’s side.

Chibuzor Okoronkwo (Heart of Owerri)
Currently plying his trade with 2009 Champions League finalists Heartland of Owerri, this right back is a workaholic on the pitch. A member of the silver-winning 2005 Beijing Olympic team led by coach Samson Siasia, he is also a member of the current Super Eagles team. Blessed with unique strength and good ball control ability, he remains one of the shining stars in the Nigerian Premier League.