Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has commented on the remarkable progress of Victor Osimhen‘s career, stating the Napoli man has the potential to surpass Rashidi Yekini's goal record.
Yekini etched his name in Nigeria's football folklore with a distinguished 14-year career with the Super Eagles, during which he scored 37 goals in 62 appearances.
He remains the record highest goal scorer for the three-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions and played a crucial role in Nigeria's first AFCON title triumph in Tunisia in 1994.
On the other hand, Osimhen has scored an impressive 21 goals in 35 appearances for the Super Eagles.
Adepoju believes that the 25-year-old Napoli forward will surpass Yekini's record, but was quick to dismiss any direct comparisons between the two players.
Adepoju: Victor Osimhen could surpass Yekini, but each player stands unique
In an interview with Elegbete TV, Adepoju acknowledged Victor Osimhen's remarkable energy and determination.
“Well, I have seen Osimhen play and all that. He has that energy and willpower, and that is what has gotten him to where he is.
“But there is no room to compare Osimhen and Yekini because these are two different times, you understand? Osimhen is doing very well, and with way he is now, probably he is going to surpass the goals that Rashidi scored, let’s not hide it.
“He is still very young, he has achieved a lot, he has scored certain goals, and he is still playing. He also has a lot of years ahead of him to overtake and score more than Yekini.
“But Yekini will always be Yekini and there’s no comparison. And Osimhen will always be Osimhen, he is good, and he will be there for so many years.”
Now 53, Adepoju earned 48 caps for the Super Eagles as a contemporary of the late Yekini, scoring six goals during an international career that spanned 12 years. He played a key role in Nigeria's success at the 1994 AFCON.
Adepoju was also part of Nigeria’s squads for the FIFA World Cups in 1994, 1998—where he scored in a 3–2 win against Spain—and 2002.
