With Toyin Saheed
Before Sunday 29th of April, he was unknown to many sports lovers, especially football fans in Nigeria and beyond, however, he became famous, renowned and celebrated in Sunday’s NPFL week 18 fixtures match between Yobe Desert Stars and Kwara United FC in Damaturu.
The 16-year-old Mohammed Zulikifili Rabiu hails from Jos, Plateau State capital and joined the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Kwara United FC from Golden Babes FC of Jos.
A natural midfielder suddenly found himself at the right back position in his first game for the Harmony Warriors.
He manned the position perfectly that he did not allow any pull out from the side, his reverse play was superb with dotted touches of experienced player.
The talented footballer is well known and popularly addressed as ‘Mai filli’ meaning Midfield maestro.
Zulikifili was a fomer player of Damaturu FC, an amateur side in Plateau State before he was discovered by Kwara United and brought straight to the main team.
The midfield player was registered in the second round of the NPFL and he featured for the Harmony Boys against Yobe Stars in Damaturu on Sunday.
The lad out class some of the big names on the pitch in keenly contested encounter that produced goalless draw, despite the fact that he played out of his position
Zulikifili gave is best in the game with his movement on the ball from his natural position, being a midfielder really gave the Yobe players a lot of problems.
The Damaturu defender adds value to Kwara United attack and also in the defence, which earned him a lot of respect and accolade from his team and visitors.
After a critical analysis of his input, Zulikifili was unanimously voted the man of the match in Yobe against the Yobe Dessert Stars.
Mohammed Z. Rabiu has proven his worth to Coach Abubakar Bala as one of the favourite signings in the mid season of the NPFL 2018 season.
Kwara United supporters and fans will have the opportunity to watch one of the youngest player in the elite league when Kwara United host Yobe Desert Stars on Sunday as the NPFL second round starts this weekend.
