Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has described the late Rashidi Yekini as the greatest striker Nigeria has ever produced, even as he edges closer to equalling the legendary forward’s long-standing goals record for the national team, Afrosport reports.
Osimhen is now just two goals away from matching Yekini’s haul of 37 goals after scoring in Nigeria’s victory over Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Galatasaray forward powered home from a Bruno Onyemaechi cross to take his international tally to 35 goals.
The 27-year-old reached the milestone in his 51st appearance for the Super Eagles, having gone into the quarter-final with 34 goals, as the three-time African champions dominated the Desert Foxes at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. Sevilla striker Akor Adams scored Nigeria’s second goal of the match.
Despite closing in on one of Nigerian football’s most iconic records, Osimhen downplayed the significance of individual achievements and instead paid glowing tribute to Yekini, who remains Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorer.
“I have said countless times that it doesn’t matter if I equal or surpass the record,” he said. “Rashidi Yekini is the best striker the Super Eagles have ever produced, and for me, I just try to do my best for the team.”
Pass after pass, Osimhen knew exactly what was coming and headed it home perfectly. 💚#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/p7566rvp2G
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 12, 2026
He added that his focus remains firmly on team success and helping Nigeria win another continental title.
“It’s not just about scoring decisive goals, but about how we influence the game and contribute to the victory, that’s what matters most in the national team,” he stated.
Nigeria will face hosts Morocco in the AFCON semi-finals as Osimhen turns his attention away from personal milestones to the pursuit of another Super Eagles triumph.
