Charles Atshimene looking to reach 20-goal target as NPFL season wraps up

By Akila Matawal
Akwa United striker Charles Atshimene has revealed that he is aiming to score at least two goals in his side’s Nigeria Professional Football League final-day fixture in order reach the goal-tally target he set himself for the season.
Speaking to journalists at the beginning of the season, Atshimene had set himself a target of 20 NPFL goals.
Akwa United beat MFM 5-2 on Sunday to seal the league title, with Atshimene netting a hat-trick to increase his league tally to 18 for the season — which puts him level with Nasarawa United’s Silas Nwankwo.

The season will come to an end on Thursday with Akwa United facing Lobi Stars at Aper Aku Stadium — and that means the forward must score at least two goals against the Makurdi club to reach his target.
Talking to the press after his side’s seven-goal thriller against MFM, the forward — who moved to Akwa United from Warri Wolves at the start of the season — said he’s looking forward to the game.
“Actually, before I started the season, I had a target for myself, and my target was 20 goals. I told the media before, so I am working towards it,” said Atshimene, who will go into the final day of the season as joint-top scorer.
Atshimene and Nasarawa United marksman Nwankwa are both in contention to finish as the top goalscorer in the league this season after scoring 18 goals apiece.
Their nearest challenger, Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali, is on 14 goals.
While Atshimene netted a hat-trick during the last matchday, both Nwankwo and Ali fired blanks.
And interestingly, Nasarawa United and Pillars are both chasing continental football qualification, with the Solid Miners travelling to Okigwe to face Abia Warriors and Pillars playing Sunshine Stars at Akure Stadium on final day.
Both teams need a win to seal continental football spot.