NPFL Golden Boot Race: Obaje, Arumala Lead as Club-by-Club Breakdown Reveals Fierce Battle

By Kunle Solaja.

With the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season entering its decisive stretch after Matchday 33, the race for the Golden Boot has not only remained intensely competitive but also reflects the attacking strength—and in some cases dependence—of several clubs.

At the top of the chart, Godwin Obaje (Enugu Rangers) and Joseph Arumala (Ikorodu City) are tied on 11 goals, but a deeper club-by-club analysis shows contrasting attacking dynamics across the league.

Enugu Rangers: Obaje and Chidozie attacking edge

Rangers International stand out as the only club with two players in the top scorers’ bracket. Obaje’s 11 goals underline his role as the club’s primary finisher, but the presence of Iwundu Chidozie (9 goals) highlights a complementary attacking structure. Rangers’ ability to share goals between two reliable forwards could prove decisive both in the title race and in sustaining Obaje’s Golden Boot push.

Ikorodu City: Arumala’s breakout brilliance

For Ikorodu City, Joseph Arumala’s 11 goals represent more than just numbers; they define the club’s attacking identity. Unlike Rangers, Ikorodu City’s presence in the scoring chart is singular, suggesting a heavy reliance on Arumala. His continued form will be critical if the club is to maintain momentum in the closing weeks.

Katsina United: Collins carrying the torch

Uche Collins (10 goals) has been the standout performer for Katsina United. His contribution underscores a team that leans heavily on individual brilliance in attack. With no other teammate in the top scorers’ list, Collins remains central to Katsina’s offensive threat.

El-Kanemi Warriors: Abdulrahman’s consistency

Daddy Abdulrahman (10 goals) has provided El-Kanemi Warriors with a consistent source of goals. His tally reflects both durability and efficiency, especially in a side that has not spread its goals widely among multiple players.

Remo Stars: Mbaoma leading the charge

For Remo Stars, Victor Mbaoma (10 goals) continues to justify his reputation as a proven goal scorer. His presence among the top contenders is crucial for a team still balancing title ambitions with survival concerns in a surprisingly turbulent season.

Abia Warriors: Obioma’s attacking spearhead

Chukwuemeka Godson Obioma (10 goals) has emerged as Abia Warriors’ main outlet in front of goal. His performances highlight a system built around a focal striker capable of delivering in crucial moments.

Bendel Insurance: shared responsibility

Bendel Insurance boast a dual presence through Oweilayefa Alex (9 goals) and Kayode Oke (8 goals). This shared scoring responsibility reflects a more balanced attacking approach, reducing dependence on a single player and giving the team multiple goal threats.

Shooting Stars: depth in attack

Similarly, Shooting Stars have two players in the mix—Sodiq Ibrahim (9 goals) and Qamar Adegoke (8 goals). Their combined output suggests a diversified attacking system, which could be advantageous in the final run-in as defensive attention is split.

Wikki Tourist: Mairiga’s Lone Effort

Jonathan Mairiga’s return of nine goals underscores his role as Wikki Tourist’s primary attacking outlet this season. He is the club’s only player among the league’s leading scorers, highlighting a clear reliance on his finishing ability.

In a team where goals have not been widely shared, Mairiga has consistently shouldered the burden in the final third, often providing the decisive edge in tight matches. His contribution not only reflects personal form but also underlines Wikki Tourist’s need for greater attacking support as the season approaches its climax.

Warri Wolves: Evhierehurhoma’s impact

With Igbunu Evhierehurhoma (8 goals), Warri Wolves have relied on a single consistent scorer. His contributions have been vital in keeping the team competitive in tight matches.

Plateau United: Temitope’s steady return

Vincent Temitope (8 goals) has provided Plateau United with a dependable attacking outlet, maintaining relevance in the Golden Boot conversation despite not leading the chart.

Nasarawa United: Yusuf in contention

Anas Yusuf (8 goals) represents Nasarawa United’s attacking hopes, remaining within striking distance of the leaders in what could still become a late surge.

Enyimba: Michael flying the flag

For Enyimba, Chidera Michael (8 goals) is the club’s top performer in front of goal this season, reflecting a campaign where goals have not been heavily concentrated among multiple players.

A League Defined by Balance and Uncertainty

The distribution of top scorers across clubs reveals a league marked by competitive balance rather than dominance. While teams like Rangers, Bendel Insurance, and Shooting Stars benefit from multiple contributors, others depend heavily on a single talisman.

With just a few matches remaining, the Golden Boot race remains wide open. The narrow gap between first and the chasing pack means that a single prolific performance could dramatically alter the standings.

As the NPFL season heads toward its climax, the battle for top scorer is shaping up not just as an individual contest, but as a reflection of each club’s attacking philosophy—whether built on collective strength or individual brilliance.

Top goal scorers as of matchday games 33

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