Victor Osimhen Beats Ighalo, Targets Yekini’s Goal Record for Nigeria

Victor Osimhen has surpassed Odion Ighalo’s 16-goal haul for Nigeria after scoring twice in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Sierra Leone. It was a thrilling encounter on Sunday evening in Liberia, between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Leone Star of Sierra Leone in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Osimhen displayed his eye-catching ability in front of goal, scoring a first half brace that not only secured victory for the Super Eagles, but also confirmed Nigeria’s presence at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

More interestingly, the brace propelled Osimhen to new heights in the country’s highest goalscorers chart, as his 17-goal haul has now beaten Super Eagles veteran, Odion Ighalo’s 16. With this impressive performance, Osimhen has made a strong statement of intent to become Nigeria’s all-time goalscorer, a record currently held by the late “goalsfather”, Rashidi Yekini.

Jerrymusa.com reports that, Victor Osihmen first equaled Ighalo’s 16 goals in the first half when the Napoli hitman lashed onto a header by Kenneth Omeruo to expertly guide the ball into the net in the 19^th minute. The goal sent waves of excitement through the crowd and gave Nigeria a well-deserved lead. The Serie A top scorer was not done just yet as he arrived to a Joe Aribo delightful pass to get his and Nigeria’s second of the game.

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With these two goals, Victor Osimhen surpassed Odion Ighalo on Nigeria’s highest goalscorers chart. Ighalo, a prolific and talismanic striker for Nigeria, is currently in the twilight of his career and is on the books of Al-Hilal FC of Saudi Arabia.

Osimhen’s Rise To Prominence

Osimhen’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. After making his mark in the Nigeria U-17 setup, he secured a move to Europe and joined Wolfsburg of Germany. He later moved to Lille in France, where his performance caught the eyes of Napoli handlers. He would later sign for Napoli in the Italian Serie A, in a move that was and is still regarded as the most expensive football transfer by an African player.

Since then, he has continued to impress with his speed, agility, and clinical finishing, winning the Scudetto and finishing top scorer with 26 league goals. It is however worthy of note that, of those 26 goals, only two were from the penalty spot.

Victor Osimhen: An Embidiment of Inspiration

At 24, Victor Osimhen has quickly risen to become the torchbearer for Nigerian football’s new generation. He indeed symbolizes the Nigerian fighting spirit, sheer doggedness and an inextinguishable passion for excellence. Victor Osimhen’s feat is significant. It epitomises the hunger of the average Nigerian young person – talented youth with raw fire in their eyes, ready to take on the world. With his goalscoring prowess and hunger for success, he has become a standard bearer and a true representative of Nigeria’s never-say-die spirit

Osimhen’s achievement serves as huge motivation for young, aspiring footballers across the country. It shows that dreams can be turned into reality through hard work, dedication, and self-belief. He has become an inspiration for a new wave of Nigerian talent, igniting hopes of future success on the international stage.

Nigeria’s All-Time Top Scorers

•Rashidi Yekini – 37 goals in 58 games

•Segun Odegbami – 22 goals in 47 games

•Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 21 goals in 58 games

•Ikechukwu Uche – 19 goals in 46 games

•Obafemi Martins – 18 goals in 42 games

•Samson Siasia – 17 goals in 49 games

•Victor Osimhen * – 17 goals in 25 games

•Odion Ighalo – 16 goals in 37 games

•Ahmed Musa* – 16 goals in 108 games

•Asuquo Ekpe – 14 goals in 28 games

•Julius Aghahowa – 14 goals in 32 games

•Jay-Jay Okocha – 14 goals in 73 games