Victor Osimhen‘s remarkable journey in Nigerian football has been marked by his relentless pursuit of Rashidi Yekini‘s long-standing goal record. With 26 international goals, Osimhen has surpassed Segun Odegbami’s 44-year record, becoming Nigeria’s most prolific striker since Yekini.
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba expressed confidence in Osimhen’s ability to break Yekini’s record. “At the rate he’s going, Osimhen will soon eclipse Yekini’s record,” Ikpeba said. “He’s a fantastic player, deeply committed to the team, and it’s only a matter of time before he rewrites history.”
Osimhen’s impressive form has been a beacon of hope for Nigerian football. His goal-scoring prowess has been evident in various competitions, including the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, where he netted 10 goals. He also demonstrated his skills in the Super Lig, scoring 20 goals and providing four assists in 22 games for Galatasaray.
Despite his achievements, Osimhen remains humble and respectful of Yekini’s legacy. “It doesn’t matter to me,” Osimhen said. “My job is to score goals, win matches, and help my team. Whether I surpass the record or not, Yekini remains the greatest striker Nigeria has ever had. This record stood for decades, and he deserves all the respect.”
Yekini’s impact on Nigerian football has been monumental. He dominated African football, claiming top scorer honors at the 1992 and 1994 AFCON tournaments. His record of 37 goals in 62 appearances has stood for nearly 30 years, a testament to his incredible talent.
Osimhen’s pursuit of Yekini’s record is not just about personal achievement but also about carrying the weight of Nigerian football on his shoulders. With the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and more World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Osimhen has ample opportunities to close in on Yekini’s record.
As another international break concludes, Osimhen finds himself at a crucial juncture—chasing history, battling for World Cup qualification, and carrying the hopes of a football-obsessed nation. “Every footballer dreams of playing at the World Cup,” he told BBC Sport Africa. “Our situation in the group is tough, but we are determined. The disappointment of 2022 still lingers, and we cannot let it happen again.”
Regardless of whether he ultimately breaks Yekini’s record, Osimhen has already cemented his legacy. His 2023 African Player of the Year award is proof that he is not just Nigeria’s present but also its future in world football.
Osimhen’s Rise to Prominence
- Early Beginnings: Osimhen first made headlines during the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he scored an astonishing 10 goals in just seven matches.
- Senior Debut: His senior debut on June 10, 2017, against South Africa in a 2-0 defeat was a subdued start.
- Resurgent Return: Missing out on the 2018 World Cup due to an inconsistent spell at Wolfsburg, Osimhen made a resurgent return after a successful loan at Charleroi, setting him on an upward trajectory in international football.
The Road Ahead
With four matches remaining in the World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria’s chances of automatic qualification seem unlikely, but a play-off spot remains a possibility. Osimhen’s goal-scoring exploits are far from over, and he will continue to chase history, battling for World Cup qualification, and carrying the weight of a football-obsessed nation on his shoulders.