From Akoka Streets to NPFL Golden Boot: The Chijioke Akuneto Stor
…As we continue to celebrate Chijioke Akuneto’s rise from the streets of Lagos to the NPFL Golden Boot, it’s important to reflect on the humble beginnings of many young talents in the region. The fields may be rough, but the passion and drive are unmatched.
A Glimpse into the Heart of Akuneto’s Journey
This Saturday morning, as the sun rises over the busy streets of Akoka, the sounds of football fill the air at Ojo Square, located on Ojo Street. Boys from every corner will be out on the 3-a-side pitches, dreaming big and working towards something greater — just like Chijioke Akuneto did. ⚽️
From Ojo Square to NPFL Golden Boot
You don’t need fancy pitches to start; you need heart, dedication, and the will to rise above the competition.
What’s next for Chijioke?
While we wait for more incredible moments from the NPFL, take a moment to remember: football stars don’t just rise from big clubs. They rise from the streets, the passion, and the community. Stay tuned for exclusive updates, as we’ll take you behind the scenes of grassroots football in Lagos and Chijioke’s next steps in his career.
Nigerian football continues to produce remarkable talents, and few stories capture resilience and growth like that of Chijioke Akuneto.
Born on October 10, 1997, in Akoka, Lagos, Akuneto grew up in a household of eight boys — an environment that naturally built competitiveness, toughness, and ambition. Today, he stands out as one of the most clinical forwards to emerge from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in recent years.
The Beginning: Golden Star Football Club
Before the NPFL stadiums and national call-ups, Chijioke Akuneto’s football story began on the streets of Akoka — at Golden Star Football Club, a boyhood club where he played alongside his brothers Emeka, Uche, and Chibuzo.
It was here, under the guidance of Coach Sola Balogun, that Akuneto first learned the game. Coach Sola Balogun would later go on to become head coach at MFM FC — a testament to the quality of football being developed quietly in the heart of Lagos.
StreetBallNG has a unique connection to this story—our founder played for and captained Golden Star Football Club alongside the Akuneto brothers. This is grassroots football. This is where it all begins.
Early Career and Rise
Akuneto’s professional journey began with MFM F.C. in 2019. He made an immediate impact, scoring four goals in his first thirteen appearances.
His early promise earned him a move to Sunshine Stars F.C. later that year, before continuing his development at Heartland F.C., where he recorded five goals and one assist during the 2020–21 season.
Breakout Season at Rivers United
The defining moment of Akuneto’s career came at Rivers United F.C. during the 2021–22 NPFL season.
He scored the first hat-trick of the campaign in March 2022 and went on to finish as the league’s top scorer with 19 goals – leading Rivers United to the NPFL title.
That season didn’t just elevate his club — it established him as one of Nigeria’s most lethal strikers.
International Recognition
In 2022, Akuneto earned a call-up to the Nigerian squad for CHAN qualifiers against Ghana. In a dramatic second leg, he scored in the 94th minute to force a penalty shootout. Although Nigeria lost on penalties, the goal marked his first at the international level.
Career Moves and Experience
Following his breakout, Akuneto joined Enyimba F.C. under coach Finidi George, further strengthening his experience at the top level of Nigerian football.
He currently plays for Bendel Insurance F.C.
Career Statistics (Summary)
| Club/Year | Apps | Goals/Assists |
|---|---|---|
| MFM F.C. | 62 | 11 – 2 |
| Heartland FC | 23 | 5 – 1 |
| Rivers United | 38 | 19 – 6 |
| Eyimba FC | 7 | 0 |
| Mechal | ||
| Bendel Insurance | 5 | 1 – 1 |
His tally in MFM FC include NPFL, CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Champions League
Total (known): 137+ apps, 36+ goals
A Story of Strength
Beyond football, Akuneto’s story carries deep emotional strength. In April 2019, he played a match just 24 hours after losing his newborn child—scoring and dedicating the goal to the loss at the request of his wife.
Moments like this define not just a player, but a person.
Source: Transfermarkt. https://www.transfermarkt.com & Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org
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