Current top scorer of 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, Chijioke Akuneto has placed more importance on winning the historic league title with Rivers United over ending the season as top scorer.
Akuneto who is leading the scoring chart with 16 goals is guiding Rivers United closer to lifting their first major title since establishment.
The enterprising striker increased his goal tally to 16 on Sunday with a brace to helped Rivers United beat Abia Warriors in the Matchday 33 of the league.
Asked which he would prioritize between winning the league and finishing as top scorer, the former MFM and Heartland forward told newsmen in Portharcourt he would wish to win both but making history with Rivers United as regards will be his major target.
“Its been an eventful season for me and Rivers United and I’m excited about how the season is going, we’ve been playing good football and improving by each game we play, the aim is to end the season as champions and we believe its achievable with more hard work and God on our side.
“Well as oliver twist, I will like to win both the title and goal scorer award, but lifting NPFL title with Rivers United is my ultimate target.”
The race for the top scorer’s gong is getting interesting with five games to end the season and strikers are turning in incredible numbers of goals.
The duo of Victor Mbaoma of Enyimba and Yusuf Abdulazeez of Gombe United are on the heels of Akuneto with 15 goals each with Ishaq Kayode, Akuneto’s team mate at Rivers United on 14 goals.
When asked if he’s under pressure with the competition for the prize, Akuneto said it will rather make it interesting and push him to be more focused without being selfish.
“I’m not bothered about that at all, it will even help to ginger me and make me concentrate on doing more better, I’d like to win the award as top scorer but that won’t make me to be too selfish, I will support my team mate in better scoring position that chasing personal glory, I’ve been providing assists for my team mates and I will still do more,” he said.
Rivers United are currently leading the NPFL log with 70 points from 33 games. The Coach Stanley Eguma led will be guest to Rangers International in Awka on Sunday.