Godwin Obaje sets CAF Champions League target after reaching 100 NPFL goals

Rangers International striker Godwin Obaje says he wants to win the CAF Champions League before ending his career, after becoming the latest player to reach 100 goals in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The 30-year-old marked the achievement by scoring his 101st NPFL goal during Rangers’ 2026/2027 Euromatch–NPFL Matchday 7 meeting with Abia Warriors at Awka City Stadium in Awka, Anambra State.

Obaje had reached the 100-goal landmark in Rangers’ 1-0 away victory over Warri Wolves in the rearranged Matchday 2 fixture in Ozoro, Delta State. Rangers, the nine-time Nigerian champions, recognised the milestone by presenting him with a plaque before the match against Abia Warriors.

“I’m happy that my team, Rangers, recognised my contributions to the club by presenting me with the plaque,” Obaje told Completesports.com on Monday afternoon.

“But I’m not surprised because I know that Rangers is a traditional team in the country, a team with good structure and fantastic management, headed by Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, who is well versed in football management and player motivation,” he added.

Obaje’s 37th-minute strike against his former club completed his move to 101 NPFL career goals.

He said the recognition had been an emotional moment, particularly because of the reaction from the Rangers supporters.

“At that moment, I became too emotional. The atmosphere was like one was in Europe, with fans chanting and shouting,” he said.

“I can only say one is motivated to do more because it is said that reward for hard work is more work.”

Obaje’s career across Nigeria and abroad

Obaje began building his domestic career with Wikki Tourists during the 2014/2015 and 2016/2017 seasons. He subsequently played for the defunct FC Ifeanyi Ubah in 2017/2018, Plateau United in 2019, Abia Warriors from 2020 to 2022 and Rangers from 2023/2024 to date.

His career has also included short spells outside Nigeria. He joined AS Trencin of Slovakia in 2015, Jeunesse Sportive Kairouanaise of Tunisia in 2019–2020, Sidama Coffee Sport Club of Ethiopia in 2022 and Sidama Coffee Sport Club of Oman in 2024.

Asked what had enabled him to remain effective in the game, Obaje credited his approach to football and his faith.

“I must say remaining prayerful, working hard, focus, commitment to my job and dedication have been my strength so far,” he said.

Obaje has won two NPFL titles, both with Rangers, in 2023/2024 and 2025/2026.

Retirement is not currently under consideration for the striker. His immediate ambition is to help Rangers win the CAF Champions League, although he first wants the club to reach the group stage.

“That’s my target for now,” he said. “But let’s reach the group stage first. From there, we see what God can do for us next.”