How Mairiga Edged Mbaoma, Obaje to NPFL Golden Boot Despite Wikki Tourists’ Relegation

The race for the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Golden Boot produced one of the most dramatic finishes in recent history, with three players ending the season on 14 goals apiece.

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However, it was Wikki Tourists midfielder Jonathan Mairiga who emerged as the league’s top scorer ahead of Victor Mbaoma and Godwin Obaje.

While all three players finished level on goals, the NPFL’s tie-breaking criteria ultimately favoured Mairiga, whose remarkable season stood out for both quality and consistency.

Open-Play Goals Made the Difference

The decisive factor was that all 14 of Mairiga’s goals came from open play. By contrast, both Mbaoma and Obaje scored one penalty each among their 14-goal tallies.

Under the league’s framework for determining the Golden Boot winner when players finish level on goals, open-play goals carry greater weight. As a result, Mairiga’s perfect record from open play placed him ahead of the two experienced strikers.

A Midfielder Among Strikers

What makes Mairiga’s achievement even more remarkable is his position.

Unlike Mbaoma and Obaje, who are recognised centre-forwards, the Wikki Tourists star operated primarily as a midfielder.

Despite playing deeper than his rivals, Mairiga matched their goal output while also contributing four assists in 35 league appearances.

His all-round contribution underlined his importance to the Bauchi-based side throughout the campaign.

Heroic Finish Despite Relegation

Mairiga’s Golden Boot-winning campaign was driven by a sensational run of form during the closing weeks of the season.

The midfielder scored six goals in Wikki Tourists’ final six matches as he attempted to inspire the club’s survival battle.

Even after relegation had been confirmed before the last day of the season, he continued his scoring streak by finding the net in their 3-1 defeat to Kun Khalifat.

Although his goals were ultimately not enough to keep Wikki in the top flight, they ensured he finished the season level with the league’s most prolific forwards.

Numbers Behind the Award

Jonathan Mairiga (Wikki Tourists): 14 goals, 4 assists in 35 matches

Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars): 14 goals, 3 assists in 29 matches

Godwin Obaje (Rangers): 14 goals, 3 assists in 33 matches

Mairiga’s superior open-play record proved decisive, earning him the Golden Boot despite representing a relegated side.

Individual Brilliance in a Difficult Season

While team success often influences individual awards, Mairiga’s triumph demonstrates that exceptional personal performances can still be recognised regardless of a club’s fortunes.

Wikki Tourists may have suffered relegation, but Mairiga’s goalscoring exploits ensured he ended the season with one of the league’s most prestigious individual honours.

His ability to outscore established strikers from midfield and do so entirely from open play made him a worthy recipient of the 2025/26 NPFL Golden Boot.

The post How Mairiga Edged Mbaoma, Obaje to NPFL Golden Boot Despite Wikki Tourists’ Relegation first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post How Mairiga Edged Mbaoma, Obaje to NPFL Golden Boot Despite Wikki Tourists’ Relegation appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.