Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has officially cemented his place in Nigerian football history by overtaking the legendary Segun Odegbami to become the second-highest goal scorer for Nigeria’s national football team. Osimhen achieved this feat on Friday evening, during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali.
In the 11th minute of the match, Osimhen found the back of the net after a well-executed free-kick from Ademola Lookman. The goal came as the striker was level with Odegbami on 23 goals. His successful strike took his tally to 25 goals, putting him two ahead of Odegbami, who had held the position for many years.
With this goal, the 26-year-old Osimhen has now become Nigeria’s second-highest goal scorer in history, surpassing Odegbami, who is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest football icons. However, Osimhen still has some distance to cover to catch up with the legendary Rashidi Yekini, who holds the top spot with an impressive 37 goals for the Super Eagles.
The goal against Rwanda is just another milestone in Osimhen’s rapid rise in Nigerian football. The forward, who plays for Italian club Napoli and has now joined Turkish club Galatasaray on loan, has been a constant source of goals for the Super Eagles. His remarkable performance in club football, coupled with his growing tally for Nigeria, has established him as one of the country’s most promising and influential players.
Osimhen’s goal came early in the game and set the tone for what would be a dominant performance by the Super Eagles. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has made him an indispensable player for the national team. The goal not only earned him a spot in Nigeria’s footballing history but also provided his team with an early lead in what was an important World Cup qualifier.
As Osimhen continues to shine for Nigeria, he is slowly closing in on Yekini’s long-standing record. At 26, the young striker still has many years of football ahead of him, and there is little doubt that he will continue to add to his tally and potentially challenge Yekini’s record in the near future.
In the wake of Osimhen’s achievement, the top 10 goal scorers for Nigeria now look as follows:
While Osimhen’s rise to second place is a significant achievement, it is not the end of his journey. His progression as one of Africa’s top strikers is undeniable, and his current form suggests that he has the potential to break even more records. As he continues to play for both club and country, fans will be watching closely to see if he can close the gap between himself and Yekini in the coming years.
Osimhen’s achievement serves as a testament to his dedication, hard work, and talent. His goal-scoring ability has made him a key player for Nigeria, and his performances have been lauded by both his teammates and football analysts alike. With his combination of strength, speed, and technical skill, he has quickly become one of the best strikers in the world.
As the Super Eagles prepare for the next phase of World Cup qualification and future international tournaments, Osimhen’s presence on the pitch will undoubtedly be a source of confidence for the team. His growing tally of goals is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of Nigeria’s strong attacking options as they look to continue their journey on the global stage.
Osimhen’s performance is also significant for Nigerian football as a whole. It highlights the continued success of Nigerian football players on the international stage. From the Premier League to Serie A, and now with his loan move to Galatasaray, Osimhen’s rise has once again put Nigerian football in the global spotlight. It shows the strength of Nigerian talent, which continues to shine in top-tier leagues worldwide.
As the World Cup approaches and the qualification process intensifies, Nigeria will be hoping that Osimhen’s continued goalscoring form will help propel them to success on the world stage. For now, the Super Eagles and Nigerian football fans can celebrate Osimhen’s achievement and look forward to what promises to be an exciting career for the young striker.
With his sights now set on breaking more records and leading Nigeria to greater heights, Victor Osimhen’s legacy in Nigerian football is just beginning. Fans will continue to cheer him on as he chases history and aims to inspire the next generation of Nigerian football stars.
