Mbaoma excited to fulfil top scorer dream

Chijioke Mbaoma says he is ‘excited’ after finishing the Nigeria Premier Football League campaign as the top scorer with 17 goals, describing the feat as a dream come true.

Mbaoma scored the opener as the People’s Elephant defeated Plateau United 2-0 in Aba on Sunday to secure 3rd spot on the log, and book a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

The former Heartland FC goal poacher beat off competition from Remo Stars Sikiru Alimi, who finished second with 15 goals.

“I feel excited,” the forward said after the match. “It was always my dream winning the highest goalscorer award, and I achieved it today (Sunday).

“I thank God for my team and I thank God for everything. I really appreciate my team for the effort and support they gave me. They played for me. Even when I was down, they encouraged me to keep going that I will make it. Here I am today. I thank God for everything.”

Mbaoma could have easily scored a hat-trick on Sunday to increase his tally, but missed so many scoring chances before brilliantly netting his 17th goal of the season in the 78th minute.

He admitted he was ‘worried’ after several misses in the encounter.

“I was very worried at some point that the goals were not coming,” he admitted.

“But you know it is football where you miss chances and also score. So, I’m glad I scored the most important goal.

“I felt relieved to help my team secure the continental ticket. I feel great.”