Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has played down talks about breaking Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing goals record, insisting his priority is collective success with the national team rather than personal milestones.
Osimhen closed in on Yekini’s historic mark after finding the net in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday. The strike took his tally for Nigeria to 35 goals, leaving him just two shy of the record.
Yekini, a former African Footballer of the Year, scored 37 goals during his illustrious career with the Super Eagles and remains a revered figure in Nigerian football history.
Speaking after the match, Osimhen stressed that records are secondary to the team’s ambition of lifting silverware. The Galatasaray striker described Yekini as an icon whose legacy transcends numbers, reiterating his deep respect for the late goal scorer.
“It doesn’t really matter to me whether I equal or surpass Rashidi Yekini’s record,” Osimhen said. “For me, he is the greatest striker Nigeria has ever produced. My focus is on helping the Super Eagles win something special for the country.”
Osimhen’s comments underline his determination to channel personal success into team glory as Nigeria continue their push for another continental title.
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