NPFL: Mbaoma chase Obaje, Arumala in Golden Boot race

By Daily Sports Nigeria on April 5, 2026

With the finish line fast approaching in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, attention has largely focused on the title battle and the relegation fight, which has unexpectedly drawn in defending champions Remo Stars.

However, an equally compelling contest is unfolding among the league’s leading goalscorers, with several players locked in a tight race for the Golden Boot heading into the final six matchdays.

According to the NPFL, at the forefront of the race are Enugu Rangers striker Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, who are level on 11 goals each.

Both players have also contributed two assists, which underlines their importance to their respective teams in the final third.

Close behind them is a group of four players on 10 goals, including Victor Mbaoma of Remo Stars, El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman, Katsina United forward Uche Collins and Abia Warriors striker Emeka Obioma.

Among this group, Mbaoma stands out for his efficiency, having recorded his 10 goals and additional assists in just 23 appearances, the fewest among the leading scorers after missing a significant part of the campaign due to injury.

Abdulrahman, meanwhile, has featured the most and boasts a combined 12 goal involvements, while Obioma remains the only player in the top six yet to register an assist this season despite 26 appearances.

Collins adds another layer of distinction, being the only player among the frontrunners to have scored a hat-trick this term.

The race, however, extends beyond the top six. Plateau United winger Temitope Adebayo leads the chasing pack with nine goals, followed by a cluster of players who have also maintained consistent scoring form in recent weeks.

Among them are Shooting Stars forward Sodiq Ibrahim, Enyimba striker Chidera Michael and Warri Wolves attacker Igbunu Evwierhurhoma.

Further down the standings, a number of outsiders remain within striking distance on eight goals, including Wikki Tourists forward Jonathan Mairiga, Rangers defender Chidozie Iwundu, and Bendel Insurance duo Kayode Oke and Alex Oweilayefa, alongside Shooting Stars’ Qamar Adegoke. Veteran Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali also remains in contention with seven goals.

Iwundu’s contribution is particularly notable, as the Rangers defender is the highest-scoring player in his position this season.

Featuring in 29 matches, he has combined defensive solidity with attacking output, despite picking up three yellow cards and a red, and his goals could yet prove decisive in his club’s title ambitions.

With six rounds of matches remaining, the Golden Boot race remains wide open, shaped by factors such as fixture difficulty, defensive resilience of opponents and the consistency of each contender in front of goal.

In a league known for its unpredictability, the battle for individual honours promises further twists, with multiple players still firmly in contention for the season’s top scoring prize.

 

Source Punch Ng

Posted April 6, 2026


 

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