Micheal Akpovie, Omolade Ibitayo, Bonny Akingbade, and Seun Ojo are the first set of nominees revealed for the 2022 Wonderxchange Defender of the Year award.

The winner will be named – along with the Wonderxchange Goalkeeper of the Year, Wonderxchange Midfielder of the Year, Wonderxchange Forward of the Year, Wonderxchange Coach of the Year, Wonderxchange Young Player of the Year, and Wonderxchange Player of the Year,- during the 2022 End of the Year award ceremony in Akure on Friday 16 December.

Wonderxchange Defender of the Year nominees

 

Micheal Akpovie (Wonderxchange/Right Wingback)

Micheal plays from both the left and right wing-back position, he also fills in from the midfield when the need arises, is a constant figure in the side and he’s usually not shy to take shots from distance, an effort which paid off as he scored a brilliant pile-driver from yards out in the win against Akfem FC of Ibadan on Independence Day.

 

Omolade Ibitayo (Wonderxchange/Left Wingback)

Omolade, who plays left wing-back, is only just behind the club’s assist leader. Omolade has assisted 6 goals this year and also has an eye for goals with 5 goals scored. This makes him the highest-scoring defender on the team.

 

Bonny Akingbade (Wonderxchange B/Center Back)

The central defender has been a key figure in defense for the B-side and he’s well known for his aerial prowess and the ability to coordinate his defense line as well as his leadership qualities on the pitch.

 

Seun Ojo (Wonderxchange/Center Back)

Seun has formed a formidable 3-man defense partnership with Sunday and Lekan as this trio has started over 80% of games together with over 10 clean sheets when all 3 have started a game together. He is known for his rugged and excellent marking skills, as well as his ability to switch plays from defense.

 

Victor Emelike (Wonderxchange B/Center Back)

The tall center-back is an ever-present figure in the B side’s backline. He is a very confident and rugged defender who is very proficient in the air and possesses very good marking skills. He can also initiate attacks from the defense as he’s adept with the ball at his feet as well.

 

Onome Adepoju (Wonderxchange/Right Wingback)

Despite joining the team in the second half of the year, Onome’s brilliant displays and contributions have earned him a spot on the men’s player of the year award shortlist. Playing from the right wing-back and having to compete for game time, he has managed 5 assists and a goal to his name since joining the side.

 

Lekan Ajeyomi (Wonderxchange/Center Back)

His physical presence at the back line distinguishes him as the leader of the defense line. He is well known for repelling opponent attacks as he uses his height to his advantage. Additionally, he is a constant threat in the opponent’s area during set pieces. This is because he has found the back of the net on a few occasions from dead-ball situations.

 

Sunday Emmanuel (Wonderxchange/Center Back)

Despite his small stature, Sunday’s smart style of defending and the ability to read through and predict opponents’ moves make up for his small size. He has successfully established himself as a regular starter in the usual back three. He usually gives attackers a run for their money and doesn’t get intimidated.

What is the Wonderxchange Defender of the Year award?

For this award, defenders representing Wonderxchange, have been judged regarding their performances over the whole year in all competitions including scouting competitions.

How were the players shortlisted/ How to vote

Every midfielder in the team was initially selected and shortlisted.

The top eight nominees for the Wonderxchange Defender of the year award were voted for by the management panel after their exemplary performances during the year 2022.

Fans will be able to vote for their favorite defender via the Wonderxchange FC website until 00:00 GMT on Wednesday 14 December.

Vote for your Wonderxchange Defender of the Year

Vote now: https://www.opinionstage.com/wonder-football/who-should-win-wonderxchange-defender-of-the-year-award

The public vote will be combined with those of a panel of club management to decide the winner