Ghana Premier League: Bashir Hayford, Richmond Opoku win NASCO Coach and Player of the Month awards
Richmond Opoku of Young Apostles and Bashir Hayford of Heart of Lions have been named the NASCO Player and Coach of the Month respectively for September in the Ghana Premier League.
The awards, announced by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), recognise the duo’s outstanding contributions to their clubs’ impressive starts to the 2025/26 season.
Opoku, who has been a revelation for Young Apostles, scored three goals in three matches to win his first-ever topflight monthly award. His consistent displays saw him beat off competition from Karela United’s Mohammed Zaidan and Etse Dogli of Heart of Lions.
The 20-year-old forward netted a crucial equaliser away against Hohoe United before scoring a brace in a home victory over Dreams FC. His goals helped Young Apostles climb to third on the league table with 10 points after Matchday Five, marking the club’s best-ever start since joining the top division in 2024.
For his efforts, Opoku will receive a 43-inch NASCO digital satellite television and a NASCO double-door refrigerator.
In the technical area, veteran coach Bashir Hayford of Heart of Lions was adjudged NASCO Coach of the Month after guiding his side through an unbeaten run in September. Under his leadership, the Kpando-based team won all three matches, scoring six goals and conceding just one.
Hayford’s men opened their campaign with a 1–0 win over Dreams FC, followed by a dominant 4–1 triumph away to Eleven Wonders. They capped off the month with another 1–0 home victory against Bechem United.
His tactical brilliance and ability to inspire his players earned him the award ahead of Hearts of Oak’s Mas-Ud Didi Dramani and Karela United’s Nurudeen Amadu.
Coach Hayford will also receive a 43-inch NASCO digital satellite television and a NASCO double-door refrigerator as part of his prize.
Both awards underline the growing competitiveness of the Ghana Premier League as emerging talents and seasoned tacticians continue to make their mark early in the new season.
