Can Victor Osimhen Break Rashidi Yekini’s Goal-Scoring Record, Set New Record

Victor Osimhen: The Striker Poised to Break Rashidi Yekini’s Goal-Scoring Record

The Nigerian football landscape is witnessing history in the making as Victor Osimhen closes in on the legendary Rashidi Yekini’s all-time Super Eagles goal record. The 25-year-old Napoli striker recently surpassed Segun Odegbami’s long-standing tally to become Nigeria’s second-highest goal scorer with 25 goals for the national team.

This milestone has sparked fresh discussions about whether Osimhen can finally break Yekini’s record of 37 goals—a feat that has remained untouched since 1998. The Super Eagles have produced several prolific strikers over the years, yet none have been able to dethrone Yekini. Could Osimhen be the one to do it?


Osimhen’s Rise to Nigeria’s Elite Goal-Scoring Club

Osimhen’s journey to Nigeria’s goal-scoring elite has been nothing short of remarkable. His combination of pace, power, and lethal finishing has made him one of the most feared strikers in world football today. He has consistently delivered for the Super Eagles in AFCON tournaments, World Cup qualifiers, and international friendlies.

His brace against Rwanda in the recent 2026 World Cup qualifier took his international goal tally to 25, placing him ahead of Odegbami (23 goals) and firmly in pursuit of Yekini’s 37-goal record.

How Many More Goals Does Osimhen Need?

Osimhen is just 12 goals away from equaling Yekini’s record and 13 goals away from setting a new all-time high. Given his current form and age, achieving this within the next two years is very realistic.


Why Have Other Nigerian Strikers Fallen Short?

Over the years, several Nigerian strikers have come close but failed to match Yekini’s legendary goal haul. Here’s a look at some of them:

1. Obafemi Martins (18 Goals, 2004–2015)

Nicknamed “Obagoal”, Martins was known for his blistering pace and powerful shots. However, despite his long Super Eagles career, he never hit the goal-scoring heights expected of him.

2. Yakubu Aiyegbeni (21 Goals, 2000–2012)

Yakubu was a natural goal scorer at club level but was often inconsistent in national colors. His infamous miss against South Korea at the 2010 FIFA World Cup overshadowed his contributions.

3. Odion Ighalo (16 Goals, 2015–2021)

Ighalo had a strong finish to his Super Eagles career, especially as AFCON 2019 top scorer. However, he started late and retired prematurely from international duty.

4. Emmanuel Emenike (9 Goals, 2011–2015)

Emenike was instrumental in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON victory, but his national career was short-lived, preventing him from reaching greater goal-scoring heights.


What Makes Osimhen Different?

Unlike his predecessors, Osimhen ticks all the right boxes to become Nigeria’s all-time top scorer:

✅ Consistency – He has maintained a high goal-per-game ratio since debuting for the Super Eagles.
✅ Durability – Unlike past strikers who retired early, Osimhen is still in his prime and has years ahead.
✅ Versatility – He can score with both feet, his head, and from different positions in the attack.
✅ Work Ethic – His hunger and determination to improve set him apart.

If he continues at his current rate, Osimhen could surpass Yekini’s record by 2026, possibly during the FIFA World Cup or the next AFCON.


S,uc bc,u are uWho Can Challenge Osimhen for the Goal-Scoring Throne?

While Osimhen is Nigeria’s undisputed number one striker, a few young forwards could challenge him in the long run.

1. Gift Orban (KAA Gent, Belgium)

A clinical finisher with an eye for goal, Orban could be a long-term rival for Osimhen in the national team.

2. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Boniface has been in red-hot form in Europe and could become a top goal scorer if he gets regular Super Eagles opportunities.

3. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)

Though more of a winger, Lookman has a knack for scoring crucial goals and could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s future goal-scoring tally.

4. Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)

Sadiq has a similar playing style to Osimhen and could become a reliable backup or even a competitor.


Final Verdict: Will Osimhen Break Yekini’s Record?

All signs point to YES. With just 12 more goals to equal Yekini and 13 to break the record, Osimhen is well on track to rewrite Nigerian football history.

If he stays injury-free and continues playing regularly for the Super Eagles, there is no reason why he won’t set a new benchmark for Nigerian goal scorers.

The question now is: Can Osimhen not only break Yekini’s record but push it beyond reach for future generations?

Only time will tell—but one thing is certain: Super Eagles fans are witnessing a once-in-a-generation striker who is making history with every goal he scores.