By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has reaffirmed his deep respect for late Nigerian football legend Rashidi Yekini, describing him as Nigeria’s greatest striker of all time, regardless of individual records or comparisons.
Speaking to journalists following Nigeria’s 2–0 quarterfinal victory over Algeria on Saturday in Marrakech, Osimhen made it clear that chasing Yekini’s all-time goalscoring record isn’t his primary motivation.
“It doesn’t take away anything from Yekini as the best striker Nigeria has ever had, even if I equal or surpass his record,” Osimhen stated. “For me, I have the likes of Odion Ighalo who have inspired me to do my best for my country.”
Yekini, who passed away in 2012, still holds Nigeria’s all-time scoring record with 37 goals. Osimhen, who scored Nigeria’s opener against Algeria, now has 35 international goals, closing in on the legendary mark.
The former African Player of the Year emphasized that his focus remains on helping the team win, rather than personal accolades. “My priority is to contribute with goals, assists, and hard work,” he said. “Winning the AFCON means more to me than individual tallies.”
Reflecting on his form, Osimhen noted that he has improved significantly since Nigeria’s last appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. “As a man and a player, I think I have improved tremendously,” he added.
At the ongoing AFCON 2025 in Morocco, Brahim Díaz of the host nation leads the top scorers’ chart with 5 goals, followed by Osimhen with 4 goals, and Ademola Lookman with 3 goals.
Nigeria will face Morocco in a high-stakes semi-final showdown in Rabat on Wednesday.