Mohammed Zulkifilu, Fabian Nworie and Sadiq Rilwan have all made an early mark in the NPFL’s goalscoring charts, with two matchweeks played.
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Ranchers Bees striker Mohammed Zulkifilu, Kano Pillars defender Fabian Nworie and Doma United forward Sadiq Rilwan have emerged as the early frontrunners in this season’s NPFL scoring race after two matchweeks.
Zulkifilu’s Hat-Trick Debut
Zulkifilu shot to the top of the charts with a remarkable hat-trick in Ranchers Bees’ 4-0 demolition of Abia Warriors at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. Making his first start of the season, the striker wasted no time, netting three times to take his tally to three goals after just two rounds of fixtures.
Rilwan The Only Ever-Present Scorer
Before Zulkifilu’s outburst, Rilwan had been leading the way after scoring in both of Doma United’s opening two matches, against Lagos-based sides Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos. He opened his account in a 2-0 win over Sporting Lagos before netting the winner against Inter Lagos, and remains the only player so far to have scored in every matchweek of the season.
Nworie’s Surprise Brace
Nworie has also entered the conversation despite operating as a centre back. The Kano Pillars defender scored twice in his side’s thrilling 3-2 win over Niger Tornadoes, the first time the former Remo Stars man has scored twice in a single match and his first goals in a top-flight campaign.
An Early Golden Boot Battle
With just two matchweeks gone, the race for the NPFL’s top scorer award is already taking shape, with Zulkifilu, Rilwan and Nworie among those setting the early pace.