Fatima Oloko Celebrates NWFL Award After Tough Start

Abia Angels goalkeeper Fatima Oloko has shared her journey from being an unused player to winning the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League Goalkeeper of the Season award. She encourages young footballers to keep chasing their dreams, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Oloko received the award on Sunday after the NWFL Super 6 ended in Port Harcourt. Although Edo Queens took home the title, Oloko stood out with her impressive performances, earning her the best goalkeeper award for the season.

The goalkeeper played an important role in her team's successful season. She helped Abia Angels qualify for the NWFL Super Six, where they finished fourth after one win and three draws in the playoffs.

After receiving her award, Oloko reflected on the tough times she faced just a season ago when she spent the entire campaign on the bench at Rivers Angels. "In all you do, don’t give up," she advised.

"I can remember last season, I sat on the bench all through the season. Believe in everything you believe in because God will answer. Pray and wish everybody well because it will fall back.

"If someone told me that I would be awarded the NWFL best goalkeeper of this season, I would deny it because I know how it started. It never started in a good way but God was with me."

After leaving Rivers Angels at the beginning of the season, Oloko joined Abia Angels and quickly became a key player. Her strong performances earned her a lot of praise in the league.

Her skills also got the attention of the national team selectors, leading to her call-up to the Super Falcons for international friendly matches against Cameroon in February.

In other NWFL awards, Edo Queens striker Atume Doosuur finished the season as joint top scorer with 13 goals. She shared the Golden Boot award with Abasiofon Uwah of Rivers Angels, who also scored 13 goals this season.

Rivers Angels, who hosted the Super 6, received the Fair Play Award for their good conduct during the competition. The biggest individual award of the day went to FC Robo Queens midfielder Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, named Player of the Season.