Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has paid glowing tribute to legend Rashidi Yekini, acknowledging him as the greatest striker in Super Eagles history.
Yekini etched his name in history as Nigeria's all-time leading scorer, netting 37 goals in 62 appearances.
Widely celebrated as the nation's finest striker, the late Olympiakos forward made his mark by scoring the Super Eagles' first-ever goal at the FIFA World Cup. Additionally, he claimed the top scorer title at the Africa Cup of Nations twice, in the 1992 and 1994 tournaments, solidifying his legendary status in African football.
Osimhen continues his march toward equalling Yekini's record as Nigeria's all-time leading scorer.
Currently tied as the nation's second-highest goalscorer alongside Segun Odegbami, Osimhen added to his tally with a crucial goal in Nigeria's 1-1 draw against Benin during the penultimate 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
While expressing his admiration for the Nigerian legend, Osimhen remains focused on his own ambitions of breaking Yekini's long-standing goal-scoring record.
Osimhen eyes Yekini’s record as Nigeria’s top marksman
Following the Super Eagles match against the Cheetahs, a video surfaced on social media in which Osimhen emphasised that his focus remains on helping his team succeed, rather than chasing personal records.
In the video, the 25-year-old called on Nigerians to celebrate Yekini’s exceptional legacy, stating that the late striker is undeniably the greatest to have ever played for the Super Eagles.
“No, no. I really don't care about this. I just want to do my job and try to win games, score goals, provide a lot of assists for my team,” he said.
“Then if I equal it, I equal it, if I surpass it, I surpass it, but that doesn't take away Rashidi Yekini is the greatest striker the Super Eagles have ever had. This record stood for a very, very long time and it still stands, so I think we should give him his flowers and also celebrate him,” he added, paying tribute to the late legend's extraordinary legacy.
The on-loan Napoli forward has now scored 23 goals for the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, with the bulk of those goals coming in Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches.
Osimhen will have a further chance to add to his goal tally for Nigeria in the final match of the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Rwanda, scheduled for Monday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
