Michael Atata of Ikorodu City FC has taken the lead in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League clean sheet standings with seven shutouts in 11 appearances. His form has driven the club’s unbeaten streak and positioned him as the season’s standout goalkeeper.
Atata’s latest clean sheet came in a tense draw against Rivers United, where his command of the box and sharp reflexes denied multiple scoring chances. His consistency has been central to Ikorodu City’s defense in their first top-flight season.
Tied in second place are Kevin Ogunga of Enyimba FC and Osagie Onisodumeya of Rivers United FC, each recording six clean sheets. Ogunga opened the season with four consecutive shutouts. Onisodumeya, meanwhile, has impressed with his composure and authority.
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El-Kanemi Warriors’ Hakeem Otuyiga follows closely with four clean sheets in five matches, an 80 percent success rate that hints at his growing influence.
Kwara United’s Nurudeen Badmos and Doma United’s Kingdom Osayi remain among the season’s early contenders, though recent results have seen their tallies fall behind the leading trio.
NPFL so far
Statistically, clean sheets have defined the NPFL’s competitive balance this season. Reports from APWin show teams with top-performing goalkeepers average 0.9 goals conceded per match.
Bendel Insurance’s Amas Obasogie set last season’s benchmark with 18 clean sheets, a record that now faces credible challenges. With two-thirds of the season still to play, Atata’s current performance suggests a possible new milestone.
The NPFL’s emphasis on defense and build-up play continues to evolve, and this season’s clean sheet race reflects a maturing league.
