Victor Osimhen, the star striker for Galatasaray and the Super Eagles, has acknowledged the legendary Rashidi Yekini as Nigeria’s greatest footballer. Despite being on the brink of surpassing Yekini’s long-standing goalscoring record of 37 goals, Osimhen insists that the legacy of the late striker remains unmatched. His comments come as he closes in on Yekini’s record while maintaining a humble approach to his pursuit of football greatness.
Osimhen’s Respect for Yekini’s Legacy
In a recent social media post, Osimhen stated, “If I equal it, I equal it; if I surpass it, I surpass it.” He emphasized that breaking the record would not diminish Yekini’s status as the finest striker the Super Eagles have ever had. Osimhen expressed his admiration for Yekini’s achievement, acknowledging the striker’s significant impact on Nigerian football.
Yekini’s Unbeaten Record
Yekini, who passed away in 2012, remains an iconic figure in Nigerian football. He famously scored Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal in 1994 and was the top scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992 and 1994. His remarkable tally of 37 goals in 62 international appearances has remained a benchmark for Nigerian footballers, with Osimhen now poised to break it.
Osimhen’s Journey to the Top
Victor Osimhen has steadily risen as one of Africa’s most prolific strikers, with a significant portion of his 23 goals coming in AFCON qualification matches. The 25-year-old forward has demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency in his quest to lead Nigeria to success, solidifying his importance to the national team. Despite trailing Yekini by 14 goals, Osimhen remains focused on team success rather than individual records.
A Setback in Rwanda
Osimhen had an opportunity to narrow the gap in Nigeria’s recent 2-1 loss to Rwanda in Uyo. Despite coming on as a substitute in the 77th minute, he was unable to find the back of the net. This missed chance was a setback, but Osimhen’s determination to break the record remains unchanged as he looks ahead to future matches.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 World Cup and 2025 AFCON
With more games on the horizon, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Osimhen has ample opportunity to close in on Yekini’s record. As one of the brightest talents in African football, the future is promising for the young striker, who continues to honor the legacy of his predecessors while shaping his own path to greatness.
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