NPFL Highest Goal Scorer Of All Time

Have you ever wondered which player has found the back of the net the most time in Nigeria’s Professional Football League history?

This guide provides a comprehensive list of the NPFL’s all-time top scorer from 1990 to 2023, revealing the impressive number of goals they’ve amassed throughout their career.

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Who Is The All-Time Top Scorer In The Nigerian Professional Football League?

Rank
Player
Goals
Country
1
Godwin Obaje
72
Nigeria
2
Rabiu Ali
62
Nigeria
3
Ibrahim Mustapha
58
Nigeria
4
Ndifreke Effiong
57
Nigeria
5
Alimi Sikiru
52
Nigeria
6
Victor Mbaoma
51
Nigeria
7
Anthony Okpotu
42
Nigeria
8
Samad Kadiri
42
Nigeria
9
Chukwuemeka Obioma
39
Nigeria
10
Mfon Udoh
39
Nigeria

1. Godwin Obaje – 72 Goals

Godwin Obaje

Godwin Obaje is a Nigerian football player who plays as a striker for Enugu Rangers. Obaje holds the record for the most goals scored in the Nigeria Professional Football League, with an impressive 72 goals to his name.

His football career began in 2015 when he joined Slovak side Trenčín. The following year, he was the top scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League, scoring 18 goals.

In 2016, he tried out for Spartak Moscow in Russia but didn’t end up joining. In 2019, he signed with JSK Kairouan in Tunisia, then, in 2020, he returned to Nigeria to play for Abia Warriors.

2. Rabiu Ali – 62 Goals

Rabiu Ali

Rabiu Ali is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced the Nigerian Professional Football League. He’s currently playing for Kano Pillars F.C., where he also serves as the team’s captain.

Known for his remarkable skills on the field, Rabiu Ali is considered one of Kano Pillars’ best players in the club’s history.

Before joining Kano Pillars in 2009, Rabiu Ali played for Nassarawa United of Lafiya. One of Rabiu’s notable achievements is his incredible goal-scoring record. With a tally of 62 goals, he is one of the highest goal scorers in the history of the NPFL.

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3. Ibrahim Mustapha – 58 Goals

Ibrahim Mustapha

Ibrahim Mustapha is a Nigerian footballer well-known for striking skills He is one of the players who has scored the most goals in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) with 58 goals.

Mustapha has played for different clubs throughout his career. He started with El-Kanemi Warriors and later moved to Enyimba, Gombe United, and Plateau United.

Mustapha also spent some time on loan at Dibba Al-Hisn, a club based in the United Arab Emirates, before returning to Nigerian football.

In 2021, Mustapha joined Al-Hilal Club but decided to return to Plateau United in 2022. Despite his brief departure, his loyalty to his home club remains strong.

Aside from his club achievements, Mustapha has represented Nigeria internationally, making his debut for the national team in 2018.

4. Ndifreke Effiong – 57 Goals

Ndifreke Effiong

One of the NPFL’s highest goal scorers of all time is Ndifreke Effiong, with a record of 57 goals. Ndifreke Udo Effiong is a talented Nigerian footballer who currently plays for Ahli Benghazi in Libya.

He has also represented Nigeria in different tournaments. He participated in the 2015 African Games, the 2015 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

His potential was clear when he made his debut for the Nigeria national football team on March 26, 2019, in a friendly match against Egypt.

Although he came on as a substitute in the 90th minute for Shehu Abdullahi, his contribution was notable. Among his notable achievements, Ndifreke holds an Olympic Bronze Medal, which he earned with the Nigeria U23 team in 2016.

Ndifreke Effiong’s prolific goal-scoring ability in the NPFL has made him one of the best players in Nigerian football history.

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5. Alimi Sikiru – 52 Goals

Alimi Sikiru

Alimi Sikiru has been a fantastic Centre-Forward in the NPFL, playing for Remo Stars FC. He’s one of the highest paid In the league, and also ne of the players with the most goals scored in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), with 52 goals to his name.

Throughout his career, Alimi Sikiru has played for several clubs, including Shooting Stars, Darnes SC, and Remo Stars FC.

In the 2023/2024 NPFL season, he has so far scored 11 goals and provided 3 assists in 21 appearances for his team. Beyond domestic leagues, Alimi Sikiru has also competed in continental competitions like the CAF Champions League.

6. Victor Mbaoma – 51 Goals

Victor Mbaoma

Victor Mbaoma is a Nigerian football player known for his prowess as a center forward. With a record of 51 goals, Victor Mbaoma is one of the highest goal scorers in the NPFL of all time.

He currently plays for APR FC. Mbaoma’s career started with Remo Stars F.C., then he moved on to Akwa United and Enyimba F.C.

Later, he joined the Eyinmba football club in 2019, where he made a notable impact, scoring 16 goals in 21 games. Mbaoma’s goal-scoring abilities led to his signing with Algerian Club, Mouloudia Club d’Alger, on a two-year deal in June 2022.

Thereafter, he was unveiled by Qizilqum Zarafshon in January 2023 after he left Mouloudia Club d’Alger. Internationally, Mbaoma made his debut for Nigeria in 2022 during friendly matches against Mexico and Ecuador.

7. Anthony Okpotu – 42 Goals

Anthony Okpotu

Anthony Okpotu is a Nigerian footballer known for his goal-scoring ability. He’s one of the players who has scored the most goals in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), scoring 42 goals.

Starting his career with Lobi Stars, Okpotu later played for clubs in Libya and Morocco before his career took him to Europe, where he had a trial with Denmark’s Brøndby.

He then went on loan to KF Laçi in Albania before signing with Qatar SC in October 2020. In July 2023, Okpotu joined Al-Ain, a Saudi Arabian club. Alongside his club career, he has also represented Nigeria in international matches.

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8. Samad Kadiri – 42 Goals

Samad Kadiri

Samad Timileyin Kadiri has left a great impression on Nigerian football, particularly in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), playing for clubs like Bayelsa United and Sunshine Stars.

Currently, Kadiri plies his trade for Shabab Al Sahel, a football club based in Lebanon. He’s one of the all-time scorers In the history of the NPFL, scoring 42 goals.

While Kadiri has made a name for himself domestically, he has also had opportunities to represent Nigeria internationally. In 2018, he had the honor of playing for the Nigeria national B team in a friendly match against Atlético Madrid.

9. Chukwuemeka Obioma – 39 Goals

Chukwuemeka Obioma

Chukwuemeka Obioma has been impressive, earning him a move to Al-Bashayir Sports Club. Obioma started his career in Nigerian football and has played for Nahdat Zemamra and Enyimba Aba.

His scoring skills have made him a valuable player wherever he goes. Obioma isn’t just a Centre-Forward; he’s also proven himself as a Second Striker when needed.

Besides his success in the NPFL, Obioma has also played in the CAF Confederation Cup. As Obioma continues to grow as a player, his impact on Nigerian football remains strong. With 39 goals to his name in the NPFL, Obioma’s achievements speak for themselves.

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10. Mfon Udoh – 39 Goals

Mfon Udoh

Mfon Udoh is currently playing as a forward for Bashundhara Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League. Having started his career with Diamond Stars Academy and later moving to Calabar Rovers, Udoh scored eight goals in his debut season.

In the 2013-2014 season, Udoh moved to Enyimba F.C., setting a personal goal target of 20 goals for the season. Incredibly, he exceeded this target, scoring 23 goals and becoming the first player in Nigerian league history to achieve such a feat.

Udoh’s contributions helped Enyimba finish second in the league. He was also outstanding in the 2016 CAF Champions League, where he emerged as the top scorer with nine goals.