Obaje, Arumala lead tight battle for NPFL Golden Boot
The race for the top scorer award in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season remains wide open after Matchday 33, reflecting both competition and differing attacking styles across clubs.
The race for the top scorer award in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season remains wide open after Matchday 33, reflecting both competition and differing attacking styles across clubs.
Godwin Obaje of Rangers International and Joseph Arumala of Ikorodu City currently lead the chart with 11 goals each. However, their teams show contrasting attacking patterns.
Rangers stand out for their shared attacking strength, with Obaje supported by Iwundu Chidozie, who has scored nine goals. This balance gives them an advantage in both the title race and the Golden Boot contest.
In contrast, Ikorodu City rely heavily on Arumala, whose goals define their attacking identity. A similar pattern is seen in teams like Katsina United, where Uche Collins (10 goals) carries the main scoring responsibility, and El-Kanemi Warriors, who depend on Daddy Abdulrahman’s consistent returns.
Other clubs such as Remo Stars and Abia Warriors also depend largely on single key forwards, with Victor Mbaoma and Chukwuemeka Obioma contributing 10 goals each.
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Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance and Shooting Stars have a more balanced approach, with two players each among the top scorers. This shared responsibility reduces pressure on individuals and provides multiple attacking options.
Wikki Tourist, Warri Wolves, Plateau United, Nasarawa United, and Enyimba all rely on single standout scorers, highlighting a trend of individual dependence across the league.
With only a few matches remaining, the small gap between the leading scorers and the chasing pack means the race is still unpredictable. A strong performance in the final games could quickly change the standings.
Overall, the Golden Boot contest reflects a league defined by balance, with some teams relying on collective effort and others on individual brilliance.
