Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has expressed confidence that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will surpass Rashidi Yekini’s all-time goal-scoring record for Nigeria.
Osimhen, 26, bolstered his international tally to 25 goals after netting twice in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Kigali. This milestone elevates him to second place on the nation’s all-time scorers’ chart, behind the legendary Yekini, who scored 37 goals for the Super Eagles.
Speaking on Osimhen’s impressive goal-scoring prowess, Ikpeba lauded the Napoli forward’s dedication and work ethic.
“By the way he is going, Osimhen will soon eclipse Yekini’s record,” Ikpeba told PUNCH Sports Extra. “He’s a fantastic lad, a committed player who gives everything for the country. We will soon see him break this record.”
Osimhen’s latest feat also saw him surpass Segun Odegbami’s long-standing record of 23 goals—a milestone that had remained untouched for 44 years since the winger retired from international football in 1981.
Reacting to the achievement, Odegbami congratulated the Nigerian forward, emphasizing the significance of breaking such a historic record.
“Osimhen has finally overtaken me, and I think that is good because the record has been there for a very long time. I am very happy for him, and I wish him good luck,” Odegbami said.
Currently enjoying an outstanding run with Turkish giants Galatasaray—where he has netted 20 goals and provided four assists in 20 Super Lig appearances—Osimhen now requires just 12 more goals to match Yekini’s legendary record.
Having made his Super Eagles debut in June 2017 against South Africa, Osimhen has since become the team’s primary attacking force. His prolific form in AFCON qualifiers, where he registered two hat-tricks in 2023, further cements his place as one of Nigeria’s deadliest strikers.
Meanwhile, as the Super Eagles gear up for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Osimhen has issued a rallying call to his teammates.
“We are ready. The remaining matches are wars, and we must fight them with all that we have to win,” he declared upon the team’s arrival at the Victor Attah Airport on Saturday.
A victory over Zimbabwe today will see Nigeria move to nine points in their World Cup qualification campaign, strengthening their bid for a place at the global showpiece—especially if South Africa and Benin Republic cancel each other out in their fixture at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.
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