Top 10 Goal Scorers in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)

Jude Aneke once blazed a trail by scoring 20 goals in a single season—a feat that stood unchallenged until Enyimba’s Mfon Udoh shattered it with 23 goals in 2014, setting a record that still holds strong today. However, some players have gone beyond individual seasons, etching their names into Nigeria Professional Football League history with sheer dedication and skill. These prolific goal scorers have become legends, remembered not just for their stats but for their unrelenting drive to excel in Nigeria’s top flight.

This article brings you an in-depth look at the NPFL’s all-time top scorers since its inception, each of whom has not only thrilled fans but has also left a legacy that resonates throughout Nigerian football.

Table of Contents

1. Godwin Obaje – 77 Goals

Godwin Obaje is a household name in Nigerian football, known for his lethal finishing and consistency in front of goal. He made his mark with Wikki Tourists, where his incredible 18-goal season earned him the league’s Golden Boot in 2016. His form attracted interest from abroad, and Obaje had brief stints in Tunisia and Egypt but returned to Nigeria, where he continued to shine for clubs like Plateau United and Ifeanyi Ubah FC. At the time of writing this article, he is currently without a club.

2. Rabiu Ali – 69 Goals

Rabiu Ali, fondly known as “Pele” by fans, is an NPFL legend with a career that spans over a decade at Kano Pillars. As a midfielder, his contribution goes beyond just goals—Ali is renowned for his leadership and playmaking ability. He played a crucial role in helping Kano Pillars win multiple NPFL titles. Ali also represented Nigeria in the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where the Super Eagles finished third. Despite his immense talent, Ali never ventured abroad, choosing instead to become a legend within Nigerian football.

3. Ibrahim Mustapha – 63 Goals

Ibrahim Mustapha, known for his pace and ability to find the net, has played for several clubs, including Enyimba and Kano Pillars. His goal-scoring prowess was a key factor in helping Enyimba win NPFL titles during his time there. Mustapha eventually secured a loan move to UAE with Dibba Al-Hisn, showcasing his talent on an international level. His consistency in the NPFL with El-Kanemi Warriors remains a testament to his skill and adaptability as a forward.

4. Ndifreke Effiong – 58 Goals

Ndifreke Effiong’s versatility as both a winger and striker made him one of the most valuable assets in the NPFL. His impressive performances for Akwa United helped them clinch the NPFL title in 2021. Effiong also had success with Abia Warriors before moving abroad to Al Ahli in Benghazi, Libya. His ability to score from different positions makes him a unique player, and he continues to be a key figure in Nigerian football.

5. Alimi Sikiru – 57 Goals

Sikiru Alimi is one of the NPFL’s top forwards, known for his clinical finishing. Alimi has played for a range of clubs, including Sunshine Stars and Remo Stars FC. His contributions helped his teams maintain competitive form in the league. In 2020, he moved to Algeria to join ES Sétif, further cementing his reputation as a top Nigerian export.

6. Victor Mbaoma – 51 Goals

Victor Mbaoma’s name is synonymous with goal-scoring consistency. A standout performer at Remo Stars and later Enyimba, Mbaoma’s goals were instrumental in keeping his teams competitive in the NPFL. He was particularly impressive in the CAF Champions League with Enyimba, showing that he could perform on the continent’s biggest stage. His goal-scoring ability also earned him a move to Rwanda, where he now plays for Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Football Club (APR FC), demonstrating the NPFL’s ability to produce talent that can compete internationally.

7. Friday Ubong – 48 Goals

Friday Ubong is a left-winger with a knack for scoring important goals. Ubong spent much of his career at Akwa United, helping the team win their first NPFL title in 2021. His work rate, combined with his goal-scoring ability, made him one of the standout players in the league. Ubong has yet to secure a move to Europe, but his performances in the NPFL have made him a player to watch, both locally and internationally.

8. Anthony Okpotu – 42 Goals

Anthony Okpotu, who made his name at Lobi Stars, was the NPFL’s top scorer in 2017, scoring 19 goals that season. His form earned him a call-up to the Nigerian national team and a move to the Tunisian club US Monastir, where he continued to perform well. Okpotu has since moved to the Saudi Arabian League, showcasing his ability to adapt to different playing styles and maintain his goal-scoring prowess.

9. Samad Kadiri – 42 Goals

Samad Kadiri is a forward who has played for various NPFL clubs, including Sunshine Stars, Lobi Stars, and Enyimba. His versatility and ability to score crucial goals have made him a sought-after player in the domestic league. Kadiri’s experience in the NPFL has been marked by consistent performances, although he has moved to Shabab Sahel in the Lebanese Premier League.

10. Nwangwa Nyima – 41 Goals

Nwangwa Nyima has established himself as one of the NPFL’s top scorers, playing for clubs such as Kano Pillars and Wikki Tourists. Known for his physicality and aerial ability, Nyima has been a key player in leading the line for his teams. While he recently joined Al-Sadd, Nyima’s performances in the NPFL have made him one of the standout forwards in the league.

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Taiwo Sotikare

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