Several stars shone in the 2013/2014 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season to make a name for themselves.
Some of the players who hit headlines last season like Emem Eduok, Peter Ebimobowei and Osaguona Ighodalo have since sought greener pastures.
Eduok is enjoying a new life in Tunisia with Esperance where he has been dazzling.
The forward scored 20 goals for Dolphins last season to emerge as the second top scorer and equaled Jude Aneke’s record of 20 goals in a season.
Bayelsa United lost Peter Ebimobowei to Al Ahly. Ebimobowei scored 18 goals for Bayelsa United who managed to stay up in the premier league, but the striker’s qualities did not go unnoticed as he was snapped up in Egypt.
Osaguona Ighodalo is another player who the league has lost after a superb season with Enugu Rangers.
The big striker, who featured for the Super Eagles, is now a key figure with Raja Casablanca of Morocco.
Warri Wolves ace, Stanley Dimgba deserved a mention as he dazzled for his new club in the last campaign.
Giwa FC goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke was one of the major reasons why the league debutants did so well in the league. It was a form that earned him a place in the national U20 team.
Chisome Chikatara (Abia Warriors), Christian Pyagbara (Sharks), Ocheme Udoh (Giwa FC) all did well for their teams last season.
As the 2014/15 football season seeks to gather momentum. Tidesports source takes a look at the players who have the potentials to excel in the league and become big stars for people to adore.
Etebo Oghenekaro: Warri Wolves forward is a quality player who can take the league by storm once again, but only if he stayed fit.
Injury was his bane last season when he managed three goals in few games.
Oghenekaro was an instant hit in his first season 2011/2012 for Warri Wolves where he scored 15 goals to attract interest from Serie A side Udinese, but injury messed the deal up.
He is fit again and has been dazzling for the national U23 team. He could well be the star of the new season.
Christian Pyagbara: The U20 star has crossed from Sharks to city rivals Dolphins and he is poised to be a replacement for departed Emem Eduok.
Pyagbara is a lethal forward just as Eduok and Dolphins coach has tagged him as the replacement for the Esperance of Tunisia forward.
His switch from the wings to top striker has produced more goals from his boots.
Pyagbara did well for Sharks scoring 12 goals for them last season.
Peter Onyekachi: This is another striker who has potential to be the best in the new season following his exploits so far with Enyimba.
Last season with Abia Warriors, he netted 12 goals.
He is currently with the Nigeria U23 team where he is doing well. He is a good buy and time will tell what he can do with the two-time African kings.
Christian Obiozor: Kano Pillars new striker is one of the strikers to watch out for when the season commences. The lanky striker is skillful and good goal getter.
He has shown what he has in stock during the expanded Super 4, where he scored four goals and also in the CAF Champions League.
The striker who helped Nigeria win bronze at CHAN 2014 in South Africa scored 8 goals last season for Rangers and he is a striker to watch out for in 2015 season.
Mfon Udoh: The All-time top scorer in Nigeria league will play for Enyimba this season and he is the man to beat as every striker will fight to break his record which he set last season.
Udoh is a consistent goal scorer as he has proved in his first two season in the top flight.
In 2012/2013, the striker scored 15 goals for Akwa United. For the 2013/2014 season, Mfon Udoh was the most talked about player in Nigeria league as he set a new goals’ record after he netted 23 goals for ‘The People’s Elephant’ as they finished runners-up.
Surprisingly to majority of Nigeria football fans and lovers, Udoh did not seal a deal to play abroad as expected following his achievement in the Nigeria league. A last minute deal to join Ismaily of Egypt collapsed.
The nippy striker told newsmen that he is looking forward for a good season with Enyimba.
”I have put behind me the transfer issue. I am back in Enyimba and ready to do my best for the team and look forward to a summer deal,” Mfon said.
Others who deserve a mention are: Shuaibu Ibrahim: He did well for Giwa FC last season where he scored 14 goals and will still play for the Giwa in 2015 season.
3SC new signing Emmanuel Onuwa: The diminutive midfielder is a bundle of skills and may be the main man in 3SC midfield as they returned to NPFL.
Bobby Clement: The striker was a delight to watch for Heartland last season, he may hit it big this time at new club Rangers.
Kingsley Sokari: Enyimba midfielder was one of the best last season for Enymba and may do better this season. He has enjoyed more exposure having played for the Nigeria U23 team.