Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen moved to within three goals of equalling Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing Nigeria scoring record following a commanding brace in the national team’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco.
The Galatasaray forward struck twice—once in the 25th minute and again in the 47th—to raise his international tally to 34 goals, edging closer to Yekini’s mark of 37 goals, a record that has stood unchallenged since the legendary striker retired from international football in 1998.
Osimhen’s contribution anchored Nigeria’s emphatic passage into the quarter-finals, with additional goals from Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams ensuring a comprehensive win over the Mambas. The match also marked a personal milestone for Osimhen, who made his 50th appearance for Nigeria, further cementing his status as one of the most important players in the current Super Eagles setup.
The striker opened the scoring midway through the first half, tapping in from close range after a well-timed assist from Akor Adams. Early in the second half, Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage, finishing coolly from a pass delivered by Lookman. The two goals extended a prolific stretch of form that has seen him score nine times in 10 matches for the national team since March 2025.
Despite his personal achievements, the evening was not without incident. Osimhen was substituted in the 63rd minute following what appeared to be a brief on-field disagreement with Lookman, though the details of the exchange remained unclear. The substitution did not diminish the impact of his performance, which had already ensured Nigeria’s dominance in the tie.
Yekini, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest footballers, scored 37 goals in 62 appearances for the Super Eagles between 1984 and 1998. His record has endured for over two decades, a testament to both his prolific scoring ability and the challenges subsequent strikers have faced in matching his output. Yekini’s most iconic moment came at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, where his goal against Bulgaria in Nigeria’s opening match—celebrated with his memorable grip of the goal net—became one of the defining images in African football history.
That goal helped Nigeria advance from the group stage of the World Cup for the first time, a breakthrough moment for Nigerian and African football on the global stage. Yekini also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, where the Super Eagles claimed their second continental title. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, combined with his consistency over more than a decade, established him as the benchmark against which all subsequent Nigerian strikers have been measured.
For much of the past two decades, Yekini’s record appeared untouchable. Several talented forwards—including Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins, and Odion Ighalo—came close but ultimately fell short. Yakubu, who represented Nigeria at two World Cups and multiple AFCON tournaments, finished his international career with 21 goals from 57 appearances. Martins, known for his pace and finishing, scored 18 goals in 42 matches. Ighalo, who was instrumental in Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2019 AFCON, ended his international career with 16 goals from 35 appearances.
Osimhen’s emergence has changed the conversation. The 26-year-old striker has developed into one of Africa’s most prolific forwards, combining physical presence, technical skill, and an instinct for goals that has drawn comparisons to some of the continent’s finest attacking talents. His rise to prominence accelerated during his time at Lille in France, where he finished as the club’s top scorer and attracted attention from several top European clubs.
His move to Napoli in Italy in 2020 proved transformative. Over three seasons with the Serie A side, Osimhen established himself as one of Europe’s elite strikers, culminating in the 2022-2023 season when he scored 26 league goals to lead Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years. His performances earned him individual accolades, including the African Footballer of the Year award, and solidified his reputation as a world-class forward capable of performing at the highest level.
A subsequent loan move to Turkish giants Galatasaray has done little to slow his momentum. He has continued to score consistently in both domestic and continental competitions, maintaining the sharpness and confidence that have defined his career. His form for Galatasaray has coincided with a prolific run for Nigeria, particularly since the start of 2025, when he began to accelerate toward Yekini’s record with renewed intensity.
Osimhen surpassed former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami to become the country’s second all-time top scorer in March 2025. Odegbami, who was part of the Nigeria squad that won the country’s first AFCON title in 1980, had long held that position with 23 goals. Osimhen’s move past Odegbami was seen as a natural progression for a player who has consistently delivered goals in crucial moments for the Super Eagles.
His record since March 2025—nine goals in 10 matches—reflects not only his individual quality but also the tactical setup and confidence within the current Nigeria squad. Under the guidance of head coach José Peseiro, Nigeria has evolved into a more attack-minded team, creating numerous scoring opportunities and allowing forwards like Osimhen, Lookman, and Adams to thrive. The chemistry between Osimhen and his attacking partners has been particularly evident, with several of his recent goals coming from well-worked team moves and intelligent off-the-ball running.
The victory over Mozambique continued Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2025 AFCON, a tournament that holds significant emotional and historical weight for the Super Eagles. Nigeria has won the competition three times—in 1980, 1994, and 2013—and remains one of the most successful nations in the tournament’s history. However, the team has endured a lengthy title drought since their last triumph in South Africa in 2013, when the late Stephen Keshi led the squad to victory.
Subsequent tournaments have brought mixed results. Nigeria reached the final in 2023 but lost to hosts Ivory Coast in a dramatic encounter. That defeat intensified the desire within the squad and the wider Nigerian football community to reclaim the continental crown. The current tournament represents another opportunity to end that wait, and Osimhen’s form has positioned him as a central figure in Nigeria’s quest for a fourth AFCON title.
Despite the mounting attention on his pursuit of Yekini’s record, Osimhen has consistently sought to redirect focus toward collective ambitions. Speaking about his personal milestones, he stated, “I don’t think about records,” emphasising that his priority remains helping Nigeria secure silverware rather than individual accolades. That mindset has endeared him to teammates and fans alike, reinforcing his reputation as a team-oriented player who understands the broader responsibilities that come with wearing the national team jersey.
The prospect of Osimhen surpassing Yekini’s record has sparked widespread debate among Nigerian football enthusiasts. For many older fans, Yekini remains an irreplaceable icon whose contributions transcended statistics. His performances during an era when African football faced greater challenges in gaining global recognition, combined with his role in Nigeria’s most celebrated triumphs, have secured his place in the pantheon of Nigerian sporting legends.
Younger fans, however, view Osimhen as the natural heir to that legacy. His achievements at club level, including winning Serie A and being named African Footballer of the Year, have elevated his profile beyond Nigeria’s borders. His consistency, professionalism, and ability to deliver in critical moments have drawn admiration across generations, and many believe that surpassing Yekini’s record would be a fitting acknowledgment of his contributions to Nigerian football.
The three goals separating Osimhen from Yekini’s record mean that the milestone could be reached as early as Nigeria’s quarter-final match, should he maintain his current form. Given his recent scoring rate and the confidence flowing through the Super Eagles camp, the achievement appears not a question of if, but when.
Beyond the numbers, Osimhen’s journey reflects broader trends within Nigerian and African football. The increasing globalisation of the sport, improved scouting networks, and the willingness of top European clubs to invest in African talent have created pathways for players like Osimhen to develop and compete at the highest levels. His success serves as inspiration for a new generation of Nigerian forwards who see the possibility of matching or exceeding his achievements.
