Ikpeba tips Osimhen to break Yekini's goalscoring record

• Victor Ikpeba predicted that Victor Osimhen would soon break Rashidi Yekini’s all-time goalscoring record for Nigeria
• Osimhen’s brace against Rwanda took his total to 27 goals, just 12 behind Yekini’s 35
• Ikpeba praised Osimhen's talent, character, and commitment, believing the 2023 African Footballer of The Year would surpass Yekini’s record soon

Former Super Eagles striker and 1997 African Footballer of the Year, Victor Nosa Ikpeba, has expressed his belief that his namesake, Victor Osimhen, will soon break the long-standing goalscoring record of Nigerian legend Rashidi Yekini for the national team.

Osimhen's recent brace in Nigeria's 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday added two more goals to his international tally, bringing him up to 27 goals for the Eagles. 

With this performance, the 25-year-old forward is now just 12 goals behind Yekini’s impressive total of 35 goals, a record that has stood for years, cementing the late Yekini as Nigeria’s top scorer in senior international football.

Ikpeba, who is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest football talents believes that Osimhen, currently one of the most lethal strikers in world football, will surpass this record. 

As the 2023 African Footballer of the Year and a key player for Serie A side Napoli, Osimhen has shown no signs of slowing down.

Ikpeba pointed out that with Osimhen still at the young age of 25 and many more international appearances ahead of him, the record is very much within reach. 

The striker’s next opportunity to add to his tally comes this Tuesday, as Nigeria faces Zimbabwe in another 2026 World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

"If he continues at this pace, I think he may just eclipse Rashidi Yekini, The reason I think this way is because he is so dangerous and fantastic. You cannot lack goals with him around," Ikpeba stated confidently. 

Ikpeba, who was part of Nigeria’s gold medal-winning squad at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and featured in the Eagles’ silver-medal run at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, further praised Osimhen’s work ethic and natural talent.

“He’s a very committed player, and he’s spicy when he gets to the pitch, He gives everything he has. He runs at every ball, and he never gives up. So, we’ll see how long it will take him to reach up to the next level,” Ikpeba continued. 

Osimhen’s speed, strength, and clinical finishing have made him a standout talent both in Italy and internationally. 

His goal-scoring form for the national team has earned him accolades from fans and pundits alike, and Ikpeba believes that with his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence, Osimhen’s ascent to the top of Nigeria’s all-time scorers list is inevitable.

As Nigeria’s journey towards the 2026 World Cup continues, all eyes will be on the dynamic forward to see just how quickly he can close the gap on Yekini’s record and potentially cement his place as one of Nigeria’s greatest-ever footballers.

Osimhen, other Nigerian stars in contention for top honours at Nigeria Pitch Awards

Previously, TheRadar reported that on-loan Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen was in contention for the annual Nigeria Pitch Awards 

The event has been scheduled to take place on March 25, immediately after the Super Eagles' crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. The event organisers confirmed that the prestigious award ceremony would be hosted at the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, marking the 11th edition of the highly respected football awards.