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The 2019-20 season of the Nigerian Professional Football League is slowly getting into full gear and the boys are gradually being separated from the men.
Expectedly, all 20 clubs in the league do not have the same ambitions, with some genuinely in contention to be crowned league champions come May next year, while others would be content to just avoid relegation or achieve a mid-table finish.
While strikers and midfielders might take most of the glory and accolades due to their more advanced roles on the field but defenders play an almost equal role in the achievements of their team's results.
It is often said that great strikers win matches but great defences win titles and in recognition of the importance of defenders, we shall be profiling the top 5 defenders in the 2019-20 NPFL season.
Honourable mentions: Ifeanyi Nweke (Rivers United), Elisha Golbe (Plateau United)
#5 Jamiu Alimi (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Jamiu Alimi is a 27-year-old defender who currently stars for El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri on loan from Akwa United.
He primarily plays as a centre-back and his imposing frame of 1.90 m (6'3") makes him a useful asset in both defending and attacking setpieces, while he also has considerable ability on the ball, which is remarkable considering his height.
Alimi had earlier played abroad for clubs like Olympiakos Nicosia in Cyprus and SC Tavriya Simferopol in Ukraine before returning back home to star for sides like Sharks, Kano Pillars, and Shooting Stars.
A lack of playing time and a fallout with coach Rafael Everton at Akwa United led to his loan to El Kanemi Warriors where he currently stars.
He was handed his international debut for Nigeria in 2015 by coach Sunday Oliseh and he made four appearances for the Home-Based Eagles, while he was also part of the All-Star NPFL team that prosecuted friendlies against La Liga teams in Spain in 2016.
#4 Akpudje Joshua (MFM FC)
At just 21, Joshua Akpudje is still a youngster by all accounts but his displays on the field are mature beyond his years and the centre-back carries himself in a manner that can make most think he is a veteran of the sport.
His versatility means that he can also be deployed on the right of defense and Akpudje has been an ever-present in the MFM squad this season, playing a major role in their rise to 5th spot on the table.
#3 Stanley Okorom (Enyimba)
Stanley Okorom is a right-back who currently stars for the People's Elephant of Aba and he has distinguished himself with his displays on the right flank of Enyimba's defence.
He had earlier starred for MFM, playing for the Olukoye Warriors for three seasons and helped the Agege-based outfit to scale new heights.
The 25-year-old transferred to Enyimba at the start of the current season and he has been one of the most consistent member of Usman Abd'Allah's side as they seek to achieve success both on the domestic scene and on the continent.
#2 Matthew Etim (Akwa United)
Matthew Esim made a name for himself at Rangers International and was the Vice-Captain of the Enugu side as they ended their 32-year wait to lift the NPFL title in 2016.
For his efforts, he was named into the Team of the Season and was subsequently called up to the 2016 CHAN Eagles, where he played the entirety of Nigeria's tournament which ended in the group stage.
Etim was signed by hometown club Akwa United in 2017 and since then, he has proved his mettle as one of the standout right-backs in the league.
#1 Ifeanyi Anaemena (Enyimba)
Ifeanyi Anaemena is the complete definition of a modern-day defender and the towering centre-back combines his intimidating physique with an excellence and flair on the ball that sees him function effectively as a sweeper.
His tenacity at the heart of the Enyimba defence has led to comparisons to Vincent Kompany, while his penchant for scoring goals has also led to him being christened the 'Sergio Ramos of Aba'.
Last season, the 27-year-old was the highest scoring defender in the league, as Enyimba claimed an 8th league title and although he is currently sidelined with an injury, fans of the club would hope he returns to full fitness soon.
Earlier in November, he was called up to the Super Eagles camp as a replacement for Bryan Idowu, which is indicative of his high reputation, as Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr is notorious for his penchant of sticking with foreign-based players.
