Osimhen edges closer to Yekini’s legendary goal milestone
Amid the disappointment of Nigeria’s World Cup qualification, Lagos-born Victor Osimhen emerged as a shining star, not only proving himself a prolific goalscorer but also beginning to carve out his own legendary chapter in the nation’s football history, writes Peter Akinbo
Victor Osimhen’s journey in Nigerian football has been remarkable, with the March international break further cementing his status as a national treasure. His relentless pursuit of Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing goal record has placed him in the spotlight, as he continues to etch his name in Nigerian football history.
With 26 international goals, Osimhen has surpassed Segun Odegbami’s 44-year record, becoming Nigeria’s most prolific striker since the legendary Yekini.
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba is confident in Osimhen’s trajectory.
“At the rate he’s going, Osimhen will soon eclipse Yekini’s record,” Ikpeba remarked.
“He’s a fantastic player, deeply committed to the team, and it’s only a matter of time before he rewrites history.”
Osimhen first made headlines during the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he scored an astonishing 10 goals in just seven matches. His performances earned him the Golden Boot, the Silver Ball, and the CAF Youth Player of the Year award. However, his senior debut on June 10, 2017, against South Africa in a 2-0 defeat was a subdued start. 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.
In 2019, he played a crucial role in the U-23 team’s comeback against Libya, netting three decisive goals. Later that year, he contributed significantly to Nigeria’s third-place finish in the Africa Cup of Nations, stepping up after Odion Ighalo’s injury.
During the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, Osimhen demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess by netting four times in a 10-0 victory against São Tomé and Príncipe. He followed up with another hat-trick in the return fixture, finishing the qualifiers as the top scorer with 10 goals. More recently, his brace in Rwanda propelled him to second place on Nigeria’s all-time scorers list, surpassing Odegbami’s long-standing 23-goal record from 1981.
Odegbami, nicknamed ‘Mathematical’ for his precision, acknowledged Osimhen’s feat.
“Osimhen has finally overtaken me, and it’s great to see. This record has been untouched for a long time, and I’m happy for him,” he told NewsNGR Sports Extra.
Despite his achievements, Osimhen remains humble and respectful of Yekini’s legacy. When he equalled Odegbami’s record last November, he made it clear that surpassing records does not diminish past legends.
“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.”
To appreciate Osimhen’s pursuit, one must recognise Yekini’s monumental impact. The late striker dominated African football, claiming top scorer honours at the 1992 and 1994 AFCON tournaments. He made history by scoring Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal in 1994, an iconic moment in the nation’s football history. Yekini’s record of 37 goals in 62 appearances has stood for nearly 30 years, a testament to his incredible talent.
Osimhen is currently enjoying an exceptional season. At Galatasaray, he has netted 20 goals and provided four assists in just 22 Super Lig games. His club form seamlessly translates to international performances, where he remains Nigeria’s most dangerous attacking force.
However, Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign has been challenging. The Super Eagles are still reeling from the disappointment of missing out on the 2022 World Cup. The appointment of Eric Chelle in January 2025 aimed to revitalise the team. The 47-year-old Franco-Malian coach, known for his tactical innovations, was brought in to restore Nigeria’s footballing stature.
A recent 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium left Nigeria in a precarious fourth place in Group C, trailing South Africa by six points. Osimhen’s 74th-minute goal momentarily gave hope, but a last-minute equaliser from Tawanda Chirewa dealt a significant blow to Nigeria’s qualification hopes. With four matches remaining, automatic qualification seems unlikely, but a play-off spot remains a possibility.
Looking ahead, Osimhen has ample opportunities to close in on, and potentially surpass, Yekini’s record. With the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and more World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, his goal-scoring exploits are far from over.
As another international break concludes, Osimhen finds himself at a crucial juncture—chasing history, battling for World Cup qualification, and carrying the weight of a football-obsessed nation on his shoulders.
“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.
