Theophilus Afelokhai, the former Kano Pillars goalkeeper and captain, has opened up on how he discouraged his son, Precious Afelokhai, from pursuing a career between the sticks — and why he is convinced the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season is the best in living memory.

A father's intervention

Speaking to Completesports.com from Kaduna, the 38-year-old veteran recalled how 17-year-old Precious was drawn to goalkeeping, inspired by his father's decorated career. The youngster would secretly take Afelokhai's gloves and train as a goalkeeper whenever his father was away.