NPFL rising star: 17-year-old Haruna Aliyu making strides with Doma United

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) continues to unearth young talents, and one of the brightest prospects catching the eye this season is Haruna Aliyu, the 17-year-old defender turning heads at Doma United.

17 years old Aliyu has already shown remarkable maturity for a teenager playing in his first topflight campaign. Calm in possession, strong in aerial duels, and fearless in one-on-one situations, he has quickly become a reliable figure in the Savannah Tigers’ backline.

As the Gombe-based club prepared for their debut NPFL season against Sunshine Stars earlier this year, few expected such an impact from Aliyu. However, his consistent performances have impressed both fans and neutrals, with pundits tipping him as one of the standout youngsters to watch in 2023.

Reports suggest that his work ethic in training matches his composure on the pitch, with coaches describing him as a “leader in the making.” Despite his tender age, Aliyu has embraced the challenge of competing against seasoned strikers in the NPFL, further underlining his readiness for bigger responsibilities.

Football analysts believe his trajectory could soon see him break into Nigeria’s youth national teams, particularly the U-20 Flying Eagles, as the search for fresh defensive options continues.

For now, though, the focus remains on helping Doma United establish themselves in the NPFL. And if his development so far is anything to go by, Haruna Aliyu’s story is only just beginning.