NPFL: Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf Leads Golden Boot Race With 17 Goals

With just two matchdays left in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United has emerged as the league’s leading scorer, topping the Golden Boot race with 17 goals.

Yusuf’s tally, comprising 14 goals from open play and three penalties, sets him apart from the rest of the league’s forwards and points to his consistency and clinical edge in front of goal.
Despite his individual brilliance, Nasarawa United sit 11th on the table with 49 points, embroiled in a tight mid-table contest.

While the club is no longer in contention for continental qualification, Yusuf’s goals have been vital in helping the team steer clear of relegation concerns.

Chasing Yusuf are three players tied on 12 goals: Anthony Ijoma Dessouza (Abia Warriors), Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City), and Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars).

Dessouza has played a vital role in Abia Warriors’ surprise surge to third place with 57 points, scoring all 12 goals from open play. Similarly, Adelani’s impact has been central to Ikorodu City’s impressive debut season in the NPFL, with the newcomers currently fourth on the table with 56 points.

Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali, popularly known as “Pele,” continues to defy age.At 43, he has scored 12 goals, including six penalties, keeping Kano Pillars in a respectable eighth position with 50 points.

Several other players are making notable contributions in both title races and relegation battles. Ahmed Musa, a former NPFL top scorer in the 2009/10 season, has netted eight goals for Rivers United, all from open play. Now 15 years after his breakout season, Musa remains a reliable attacking threat.

Also in form is Joseph Atule of Enyimba, whose seven goals have helped the People’s Elephant remain in contention for continental qualification in fifth place with 55 points.

However, for players like Ossy Martins (Lobi Stars) and Isaac Saviour (Rangers), their efforts have fallen short. Lobi Stars have already been relegated, while Rangers have been dethroned as champions by Remo Stars.

In the lower half of the table, strikers such as Emmanuel Ogbolu (Kwara United) and Mustapha Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors), both with seven goals, are battling to keep their teams safe from the drop. Kwara and El-Kanemi sit 13th and 15th respectively.

With Remo Stars already crowned champions and Rivers United pushing for second place with 61 points, the final two matchdays are set to deliver intense action across the league—from the fight for continental slots to the scramble for survival.