Six Matchdays To Go: NPFL Golden Boot Race Set for Dramatic Finale

Six Matchdays To Go: NPFL Golden Boot Race Set for Dramatic Finale

By Niyi Busari 

With the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season entering its decisive phase, attention has largely focused on the title race and the battle for survival—where defending champions Remo Stars have unexpectedly found themselves under pressure.

However, beyond the team contests, an equally compelling narrative is unfolding in the race for the league’s Golden Boot, with multiple players still in contention heading into the final six matchdays.

At the forefront of the scoring chart are Rangers International striker Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, both tied on 11 goals.

Closely behind them is a group of four players on 10 goals each: Victor Mbaoma of Remo Stars, Daddy Abdulrahman of El-Kanemi Warriors, Uche Collins of Katsina United, and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors.

Among the leading scorers, Obaje and Arumala have demonstrated strong all-round attacking contributions, each recording 11 goals and two assists. Mbaoma, despite missing the early part of the campaign due to injury, has been highly efficient, registering 10 goals and two assists in just 23 appearances—the fewest among the top contenders.

Abdulrahman has been the most consistent in terms of availability, featuring in the highest number of matches and contributing 12 goal involvements (10 goals and two assists).

In contrast, Obioma stands out as the only player among the top six yet to provide an assist this season, having made 26 appearances. Collins, meanwhile, is the only player in this group to have scored a hat-trick.

The competition remains intense, with several players still within striking distance. Plateau United winger Temitope Vincent Adebayo leads the chasing pack with nine goals.

Other notable contenders include Sodiq Ibrahim of Shooting Stars SC, Chidera Michael of Enyimba FC, and Igbunu Evwierhurhoma of Warri Wolves, all of whom have maintained consistent scoring form in recent weeks.

Further back, a group of players on eight goals—including Jonathan Mairiga (Wikki Tourists), Chidozie Iwundu (Rangers), Kayode Oke (Bendel Insurance), Qamar Adegoke (Shooting Stars), and Alex Oweilayefa—remain outside contenders. Veteran Rabiu Ali of Kano Pillars is also in the mix with seven goals.

A notable mention goes to Rangers defender Chidozie Iwundu, who leads all defenders in scoring this season. With 29 appearances, three bookings, and one red card, his contributions have been crucial to his club’s campaign.

Iwundu’s ability to deliver goals from a defensive role has added a unique dimension to Rangers’ title push, and his continued form could prove decisive in the closing weeks.

With six matchdays remaining, the race for the NPFL Golden Boot remains finely balanced. Factors such as fixture difficulty, defensive vulnerabilities, and individual form will likely determine the eventual winner.

In a league known for its unpredictability, the battle for individual honours promises a thrilling conclusion, with several contenders still firmly in the hunt.