Former Nigeria Premier League League (NPFL) striker Victor Mbaoma has become the first Nigerian to be the highest goal scorer in the Rwandan Premier League. The 27-year-old played for Akwa United, Enyimba, Remo Stars, and Katsina United before moving to Rwanda.
Mbaoma, who opted for APR FC in Rwanda’s Premier League last year after rejecting NPFL offers, has completed a remarkable first season following his team’s 30-game unbeaten streak. The lanky forward ended the 2023/2024 season as a league champion and also, the joint-highest goal scorer.
APR capped off their dominant season with a 1-1 home draw against Amagaju on Sunday, securing the title with a staggering 68 points. They finished a commanding 11 points clear of their closest rivals, Rayon Sports, to claim their 22nd Rwandan league crown.
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Victor Mbaoma’s personal triumph came in the form of the joint-highest goal scorer award, having netted an impressive 15 goals. Taking to Facebook, the Lagos-born forward expressed his joy: “I came, I saw and I conquered! It’s been a long journey, but I’m super excited to be a champion, joint top scorer with 15 goals (20 in all competitions), and part of a 30-game unbeaten season. A season to remember. Thank you to everyone who supported me.”
The 27-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Rwandan powerhouse after showcasing his goal-scoring prowess in the NPFL. In 2022, he was the joint top scorer with 16 goals before leaving Enyimba for a stint with Algerian club Mouloudia Club Oranais.
Following his Algerian adventure, Mbaoma had a brief but impactful run with Katsina United in the Nigeria National League playoffs. He netted four goals in just three games, instrumental in their promotion back to the top flight after a year in the second division.
Despite interest from his former club Remo Stars, Mbaoma chose a new path in Rwanda which has paid off. The former Akwa United man has now emerged as the joint top scorer in two African football leagues in the space of three years.
