Arumala: 'Ikorodu City's Position My Priority, Not NPFL's Golden Boot'
Joseph Arumala, the striker for Ikorodu City, has declared that his primary objective is to help his team qualify for continental competitions, rather than pursuing the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) golden boot award. This statement comes as Ikorodu City currently holds third place in the NPFL table with 55 points, trailing league leaders Rivers United by three points and second-placed Enugu Rangers by two points.
Continental Aspirations Take Precedence
Arumala expressed that achieving a top-three finish, which would grant Ikorodu City their first-ever opportunity to compete in either the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup, brings him greater satisfaction than personal accolades. He described this potential achievement as a significant reward for what has been an engaging and competitive season for the young Lagos-based club.
Focus on Team Performance Over Individual Goals
In an interview with NPFL.com.ng, Arumala emphasized his approach of taking each match as it comes, particularly regarding the race for the golden boot. With 12 goals and two assists in 30 league appearances, he faces stiff competition from experienced players like Godwin Obaje of Rangers International and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors, both of whom have scored 11 goals each this season.
Despite this pressure, Arumala remains unfazed, stating that he is not setting specific goal targets but is instead focused on enjoying the remaining games and contributing to his team's success. He highlighted his commitment to helping Ikorodu City finish the season strongly, prioritizing collective achievement over individual recognition.
Modest Outlook on Golden Boot Race
When questioned further about his chances of finishing as the top scorer, Arumala maintained a humble and realistic perspective. He acknowledged that in football, outcomes can be unpredictable, and the race remains open. He also expressed gratitude for being mentioned among the elite NPFL players who have made significant goal contributions this season, viewing it as an honor rather than a source of pressure.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Arumala, who joined Ikorodu City in August 2025, is currently in his debut season in the NPFL. Notably, he is on the verge of becoming the club's record top scorer in a single NPFL season, needing just one more goal to surpass Shola Adelani's previous record of 12 goals before his move abroad. This potential milestone adds an extra layer of significance to his performances, yet his focus remains steadfast on team objectives.
In summary, Joseph Arumala's dedication to Ikorodu City's success underscores a team-first mentality, as he aims to guide the club to a historic continental qualification while downplaying the pursuit of individual awards like the golden boot.
