The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has drawn to a close, leaving behind a trail of dramatic encounters, tactical masterclasses, and an intense battle for the prestigious Golden Boot. As Enugu Rangers lifted their ninth league title, the individual performances of the league’s most clinical strikers became the heartbeat of the campaign.
In a season defined by defensive discipline, where goals were hard-earned rather than gifted, reaching the summit of the scoring charts required not just talent, but immense mental fortitude. Let’s take a closer look at the top ten marksmen who dominated the NPFL landscape this season.
The Elite Finishers: 2025/26 Top Scorers
While the race remained razor-thin for much of the campaign, the final statistics reveal a fascinating spread of talent across the league. Three players finished the season tied at the top with 14 goals each.
| Rank | Player | Club | Goals |
1. Victor Mbaoma | Remo Stars | 14 goals |
1. Godwin Obaje | Enugu Rangers | 14 goals |
3. Jonathan Mairiga | Wikki Tourists | 13 goals |
4. Uche Collins | Katsina United | 12 goals |
4. Joseph Arumala | Ikorodu City | 12 goals |
6. Emeka Obioma | Abia Warriors | 11goals |
6. Chidera Michael | Enyimba | 11 goals |
8. Alex Oweilayefa | Bendel Insurance | 10 goals |
8. Emmanuel Igbunu | Warri Wolves | 10 goals |
8. Daddy Abdulrahman | El-Kanemi Warriors | 10 goals |
(Note: Statistical sources vary slightly on final tallies; reflecting the competitive intensity of the closing matchdays) .
The Titans at the Top
The narrative of the 2025/26 Golden Boot was dominated by the consistency of Victor Mbaoma and Godwin Obaje.
Mbaoma, despite enduring a period on the sidelines with a rib injury early in the season, showcased remarkable resilience to climb back to the top. His ability to influence games with limited appearances highlights his status as one of the most lethal finishers in the country.
Alongside him, Godwin Obaje proved once again why he is a household name in Nigerian football. The Rangers talisman, who previously tasted Golden Boot glory in 2016, provided the attacking edge that propelled his club to their ninth league title. His experience and cool-headedness in front of goal were the defining factors in Rangers' title charge.
Joining the trio at the top, Jonathan Mairiga of Wikki Tourists emerged as the surprise package of the season. Despite his club’s struggle against relegation, Mairiga’s individual brilliance kept them competitive until the very end, proving that top-flight quality can be found across the league.
The Rising Stars and Established Icons
The depth of talent in the NPFL was further illustrated by the performances of Joseph Arumala and Uche Collins.
Arumala, in his debut season with Ikorodu City, was a revelation. His pace and direct style of play made him a nightmare for defenders throughout the year, and he spent significant time leading the pack during the mid-season stages.
Similarly, Emeka Obioma once again proved his pedigree. A known quantity after his previous success with Enyimba, his move to Abia Warriors saw him maintain his high standards, consistently finding the back of the net through superior positional awareness and clinical instincts.
What the Numbers Tell Us
The 2025/26 season saw a total of 769 goals across 380 matches, averaging just over two goals per game. This statistic perfectly encapsulates the nature of the NPFL: a league where tactical rigidity often takes precedence. Because goals are at a premium, the players on this list aren't just scorers; they are difference-makers.
For many of these athletes, the Golden Boot race is the ultimate showcase for a move to bigger stages or a call-up to the national team set-up. With the season now concluded, the focus shifts to the transfer window, where many of these strikers will likely be the most sought-after assets in the league.
As we look back, the 2025/26 campaign will be remembered as a season where experience held its ground against the hunger of emerging talent. Congratulations to all the marksmen who made the net ripple and provided the fans with unforgettable moments of magic.
