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NPFL's top finishers go down to the wires
The finish line is now in sight in this season's Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and much of the talk has centred on the title race and those at the other end of the table which surprisingly include last season's champions Remo Stars
NPFL's top finishers go down to the wires
By George Akpayen
The finish line is now in sight in this season's Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and much of the talk has centred on the title race and those at the other end of the table which surprisingly include last season's champions Remo Stars.
However, there is another race shaping up among the leading top scorers this season and this could see as much as six or more players going head-to-head in the final six matchdays.
Top contenders on the race for the battle for the golden boot are Rangers International striker, Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, who have scored 11 goals apiece.
On the tails of the top-two scoring individuals are Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars), El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman, Katsina United's Uche Collins and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors, all on 10 goals each.
THE PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN
Out of the top-six leading scorers, Obaje, Arumala and Mbaoma have more direct goals involvement. Obaje and Arumala have 11 goals and two assists each while Mbaoma has 10 goals and assists from 23 appearances which is the least number of matches featured in among the leading scorers. Mbaoma missed most of the early parts of the season due to bruised ribs.
El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Abdulrahman has made the most appearances among the top-six scorers and has a 12-goal direct involvement (10 goals + two assists).
Obioma is however the only top-six scorer who is yet to register an assist this season after 26 appearances for Abia Warriors.
Interestingly, Collins is the only top-six scorer who has netted a hat-trick this season so far.
THE CHASING PACK
There is also the chasing pack in the race for the golden boot. One of them is Plateau United winger Temitope Vincent Adebayo who has scored nine goals. Sodiq Ibrahim (3SC), Enyimba striker Chidera Michael, Igbunu Evwierhurhoma of Warri Wolves.
The variety of players in the chasing pack also makes the race intriguing as they have been consistent goalscorers in recent matchweeks. They are definitely breathing down the necks of the frontrunners.
There are also the outsiders in the race. Jonathan Mairiga of Wikki Tourists, Chidozie Iwundu (Rangers) and Bendel Insurance duo of Kayode Oke, 3SC's Qamar Adegoke and Alex Oweilayefa - all on eight goals. On seven goals is Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali.
WORTHY MENTION
However, Iwundu deserves a big mention among the top scorers as he is the top-scoring defender. He has made 29 appearances for Rangers and has been booked three times and saw red once.
Iwundu's goalscoring form from his centre-back role has also been important for his club in their title aspiration this season and his team will hope his form can continue into the final six matchdays.
No doubt, there will be twists and turns in for individual glory in a race that is still wide open. Fixture difficulty, favourable run-in, struggling defences and hunger in front of goal are surely going to be among factors that would decide who wins this race in an unpredictable league. At this point, nothing is guaranteed as all top marksmen are odds on to claim the top individual prize.
