Golden Boot Race: NPFL 'Cole Palmer' leapfrogs Super Eagles striker to become top scorer

Super Eagles striker Sikiru Alimi has been usurped at the top of the NPFL goalscoring charts by a rising star who is drawing comparisons to Chelsea's Cole Palmer.

Remo Stars frontman Alimi had been the leading marksman in Nigeria's top flight, netting 14 goals this season. However, the veteran has been leapfrogged by Enyimba's Mbaoma Chijioke.

The 21-year-old forward was in inspired form at the weekend, scoring a brace as the reigning champions Enyimba FC came from behind to thrash Rivers United 4-1 in Aba.

Mbaoma's two strikes took his tally to 15 goals for the campaign, putting him one clear of Alimi in the race for the coveted NPFL Golden Boot.

Interestingly, Mbaoma's goal-scoring exploits have drawn comparisons to Chelsea starlet Cole Palmer, who was in impressive form for the Blues this season, netting 22 times in the Premier League.

However, a key difference is that seven of Mbaoma's 15 goals, two short of Palmer’s in the Premier League, have come from the penalty spot while Alimi has only managed four spot-kicks for his title-chasing Remo Stars side.

With just four rounds of fixtures remaining, the battle for the NPFL's top scorer award is as intense as the title race itself. 

Can Mbaoma hold off the challenge of Alimi and cement his status as the league's premier hitman?