NPFL Golden Boot: Emeka Obioma sets early pace with six goals

Abia Warriors striker Emeka Obioma leads the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Golden Boot race after scoring six goals in his first nine league appearances this season.

The forward has carried his strong goalscoring record into the current campaign after previously finishing as the division’s leading scorer in 2022/23. Obioma scored 16 goals that season as Enyimba secured the NPFL title.

He remained among the league’s most productive forwards last season, ending the campaign with 11 goals.

Obioma’s latest run has put him at the top of an increasingly competitive early scoring chart, with two players within one goal of the Abia Warriors forward.

Mohammed Zulkifilu of Ranchers Bees and Sadiq Rilwan of Doma United have each scored five goals.

Three players are further behind on four goals apiece. They are Barau FC pair Joseph Atule and Sugau Aliyu, along with Kayode Oke of Bendel Insurance.

The leading forwards will have the opportunity to increase their totals when the Matchday 10 fixtures are played at venues across the country this weekend.

With the campaign still developing, the Golden Boot contest is already taking shape around Obioma’s early advantage and the challenge being mounted by Zulkifilu, Rilwan and the other leading scorers.