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For Ikorodu City’s Arumala, Golden Boot Race Not Priority

From ThisDay · (3d ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Joseph Arumala, the top scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with 12 goals, is focused on his team's performance rather than the golden boot race.
  • He aims to help Ikorodu City finish as high as possible in the league standings.
  • Arumala, in his first NPFL season, is unfazed by competition from experienced players and sees the race for top scorer as open.

Ikorodu City's star striker, Joseph Arumala, is proving that individual accolades are secondary to team success. Currently leading the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) scoring charts with 12 goals, Arumala remains grounded, emphasizing a 'game at a time' approach.

I just want to enjoy the remaining games of the season. I am not targeting any number of goals but I just want to help my team do well so that we can finish the season very well. For me, it is a game at a time.

— Joseph ArumalaArumala explains his approach to the golden boot race, prioritizing team performance.

Speaking to ThisDay, Arumala stated his primary focus is on helping his club achieve its highest possible league finish. "I just want to enjoy the remaining games of the season. I am not targeting any number of goals but I just want to help my team do well so that we can finish the season very well," he said. This selfless attitude is a breath of fresh air in a sport often dominated by individual ambition.

In football anything can happen, so it is still an open race.

— Joseph ArumalaArumala acknowledges the competitive nature of the top scorer race.

Despite the pressure of being chased by seasoned campaigners like Godwin Obaje and Emeka Obioma, who are just one goal behind, Arumala exudes confidence and a lack of anxiety. "I am not under pressure at all. I just want to keep things going. Like I said I just want to enjoy the rest of the season and help my team," he affirmed. His humility is further evident in his happiness to be listed among the NPFL's elite goal scorers, recognizing the caliber of players he is competing with.

I am not under pressure at all. I just want to keep things going. Like I said I just want to enjoy the rest of the season and help my team.

— Joseph ArumalaArumala expresses his calm demeanor amidst the pressure of the scoring race.

Arumala's perspective is that of a true team player. He acknowledges the open nature of the golden boot race, stating, "In football anything can happen, so it is still an open race." His ultimate goal, however, remains collective: "I will be happy to see my team finish in the top-three because that will be a big achievement." This season marks Arumala's debut in the NPFL after joining Ikorodu City in August 2025, and he is on the verge of setting a new club record for most goals in a single NPFL season, a testament to his immediate impact.

I am happy to be among that list.

— Joseph ArumalaArumala shares his satisfaction with being recognized among the NPFL's top scorers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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