Nigeria‘s football history is rich with legendary goal scorers who have made their mark both domestically and internationally. These players not only excelled in their home league but also thrived on the continental stage and in some of the world's most competitive football environments.
What sets their achievements apart is their remarkable consistency, scoring goals across different leagues and eras while maintaining elite standards.
This ranking celebrates Nigeria’s top five all-time leading career goal scorers, counting down from number five to the ultimate goal king.
Notably absent from this list is Victor Osimhen, whose career is still in progress. However, given his trajectory, it may only be a matter of time before he breaks into this elite group
5. Jonathan Akpoborie – 171 Goals
A Bundesliga legend, Jonathan Akpoborie's exploits across Germany remain the stuff of legend. The striker enjoyed prolific spells with Carl Zeiss Jena, Stuttgarter Kickers, VfB Stuttgart, and VfL Wolfsburg.
In 384 career appearances, Akpoborie struck 171 goals, making him one of Nigeria’s finest exports in football.
His versatility and clinical finishing earned him a well-deserved place in Nigeria's footballing folklore.
4. Obafemi Martins – 201 Goals
Known for his explosive pace and acrobatic celebrations, Obafemi Martins made an indelible impact during his career. Scoring 201 goals in 500 appearances, Martins featured in some of the world’s top leagues, including Serie A, the English Premier League, and La Liga.
His five UEFA Champions League goals for Inter Milan in the 2004/05 campaign remain a Nigerian record in Europe’s premier competition, matched only by Victor Osimhen.
Martins also found success in Major League Soccer and the Chinese Super League before retiring in 2021.
3. Ayegbeni Yakubu – 238 Goals
Yakubu’s name is often associated with his infamous miss at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but his goal-scoring record tells a different story.
The Nigerian striker enjoyed a prolific career, finding the net 238 times in 597 appearances across club and international football.
Yakubu made his mark in European football with clubs like Maccabi Haifa, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Leicester City, becoming a reliable goal scorer at every level. At one point, he held the record as the highest-scoring African in Premier League history before Mohamed Salah surpassed him.
The forward also delivered for Nigeria, scoring 21 goals in 57 appearances. A clinical finisher with a natural instinct for goals, Yakubu’s impact in front of goal remains undeniable despite the moment that often defines his legacy.
2. Odion Ighalo – 255 Goals
One of Africa’s most consistent marksmen, Odion Ighalo’s career has taken him from the Premier League to the Saudi Pro League.
With 255 career goals to his name, including a memorable stint as the 2019 AFCON Golden Boot winner, Ighalo has left an indelible mark on Nigerian football.
From Watford to Al-Wehda, Ighalo has proven his worth across 12 clubs, constantly delivering goals with an eye for the spectacular.
1. Rashidi Yekini – 521 Goals
At the summit of Nigerian goal-scoring royalty stands Rashidi Yekini, a name synonymous with greatness.
The late legend’s remarkable tally of 521 goals in 728 appearances is an achievement that may never be surpassed.
Yekini's legacy includes an iconic World Cup goal in 1994 and prolific spells with Vitória de Setúbal and Africa Sports. A national treasure, his record 37 goals for the Super Eagles remain unmatched, cementing his place as Nigeria’s ultimate footballing icon.
