In a recent development, Footballrover understands that Chijioke Akuneto, the former NPFL Golden Boot winner who clinched the Eunisell award in the 2021-2022 season, is now a free agent and could be set for a return to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
Akuneto, well known for his strength in front of goal, netted 19 goals during the 2021–2022 season to secure the coveted Golden Boot, Footballrover reports.
His remarkable performance also helped Rivers United clinch the NPFL title that year.
The forward was the last player to receive the Golden Boot award from Eunisell in 2022, along with a cash prize of 3.8 million naira valued at 200,000 naira per goal scored.
During that memorable season, Akuneto also made headlines by scoring the first NPFL hat-trick of the season, achieving a treble in the first half against Akwa United in Port Harcourt.
The game ended with a 4-1 victory for Rivers United, who maintained their lead on the table after 19 games.
Akuneto’s statistics for the 2021–22 NPFL campaign are impressive:
– Goals: 19
– Assists: 4+
– Hat-tricks: 1
– Braces: 5
– Appearances: 38
– Starts: 38
– Minutes played: 3006
The experienced forward has had successful stints with top Nigerian clubs like MFM FC, Heartland FC, Enyimba FC, and Rivers United FC.
After his time with Rivers United, Akuneto ventured abroad, joining South African side Sekhukhune United and later playing for Defence Force FC in the Ethiopian Premier League.
With his contract in Ethiopia now ending, Akuneto is once again open to new opportunities.
Given his impressive goal-scoring record and vast experience, Akuneto is an attractive prospect for clubs seeking a proven striker.
He is excited to take on a new challenge as a free agent and help his next team succeed.
Teams eager to sign the former Golden Boot winner are probably on the alert, both in the NPFL and elsewhere.
His possible return to the Nigerian league would surely be a big plus, giving the NPFL more excitement and quality.
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