- Victor Osimhen now trails only Rashidi Yekini and Segun Odegbami in Nigeria’s all-time goal-scoring list
- The Galatasaray forward has 22 goals in 36 appearances, maintaining an impressive 0.61 goals-per-game ratio
- Osimhen needs two goals to equal and surpass Odegbami’s record of 23 goals
Victor Osimhen added another chapter to his remarkable career, becoming Nigeria’s third-highest goal scorer by netting his 22nd goal in a 3-0 win against Benin Republic on Saturday, September 7.
The Super Eagles striker, currently on loan from Napoli to Galatasaray, came off the bench in the 73rd minute, quickly making his mark by doubling Nigeria’s lead just six minutes after entering the match.
Osimhen’s contributions were crucial as Nigeria opened its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. His goal helped secure a comfortable win for the team and further etched his name in the annals of Nigerian football.
Since debuting for the Super Eagles in 2017, Osimhen has netted 22 goals in 36 appearances, that’s a staggering goal-per-game rate of 0.61.
His performances during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, where he scored 10 goals, were very instrumental in his rise up the scoring charts.
Now trailing only Rashidi Yekini and Segun Odegbami, Osimhen is on the path to etching his legacy among the legends of Nigerian football. Yekini, who scored 37 goals in 58 matches, set a high standard for future strikers, but Osimhen is determined to keep climbing up the score chart.
5 highest goal scorers in Super Eagles’ history
Nigerian football has seen some remarkable goal scorers over the decades, yet none have eclipsed the legendary Rashidi Yekini's hold on the top spot. While the Super Eagles may not have produced as many prolific goal-scorers as some other African nations, those who have made their mark have left an indelible legacy.
Yekini set the bar so high that as of 2024, his goal-scoring record has lasted for a staggering 26 years. This is the number that current Nigerian strikers look forward to match.
TheRadar has compiled below the five highest goal scorers in the history of the Super Eagles.
1. Rashidi Yekini – 37 goals
Rashidi Yekini is undoubtedly the undisputed king of Nigerian football when it comes to goal-scoring. His 37-goal tally from 58 appearances remains the highest in Super Eagles history, with a stunning 0.64 goals per game average. Yekini’s exploits between 1984 and 1998 were instrumental in securing Nigeria's football legacy on the international stage.
Notably, he led Nigeria to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in 1994, scoring five goals in the tournament, including the crucial opener in the final against Zambia. Yekini was crowned the African Footballer of the Year in 1993 and remains a revered figure even after his passing.
2. Segun Odegbami – 23 goals
Segun Odegbami, fondly called "Mathematical" for his precision on the field, was one of Nigeria’s most respected players during his era. With 23 goals in 47 appearances, he ranks second on the all-time list. Odegbami was part of Nigeria's golden generation and played a crucial role in their first AFCON victory in 1980.
He spent his entire professional career with Shooting Stars FC, where he made his name. Odegbami retired in 1984, but his contributions to Nigerian football remain deeply cherished.
3. Victor Osimhen – 22 goals
At just 25, Victor Osimhen has emerged as a future legend for the Super Eagles. Currently, he stands at 22 goals in 36 appearances, making him the highest-scoring active player. Osimhen’s performances during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, where he netted 10 goals, helped him climb the charts.
His most recent strike came in a 2025 AFCON qualifying match against Benin Republic. With youth on his side, Osimhen is seen as a serious contender to surpass Yekini’s long-standing record.
4. Yakubu Ayegbeni – 21 goals
Yakubu Ayegbeni, popularly known as "The Yak," was a feared striker during his prime. He scored 21 goals in 58 matches for Nigeria, playing a pivotal role in several of their international campaigns. Despite his accomplishments, Yakubu is perhaps most remembered for his infamous miss during the 2010 World Cup against South Korea, a moment that still stings many Nigerian fans.
5. Ikechukwu Uche – 19 goals
Rounding out the top five is Ikechukwu Uche, a clinical striker who bagged 19 goals in 46 appearances for Nigeria. Known for his performances in both AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, Uche had a successful career in Spain, representing clubs like Villarreal and Getafe.
He was also a key figure in Nigeria's 2013 AFCON-winning squad. Though he retired from international football, Uche’s place in Nigeria's football history is cast in stone.
"We have the materials, we have the players" - Eguavoen on Super Eagles' road to redemption
Previously, TheRadar reported that as the 2013 AFCON champions gear up to face a Gernot Rohr-led Benin side in their first qualifying fixture, all eyes are on the Super Eagles.
The team is set to begin their quest for redemption after consistent woeful performances, with just four days left before the encounter.
Nigeria's interim head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has made it clear that while the Super Eagles will show respect to their opponents, they will fiercely defend their home ground.
