Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has urged Nigerians to celebrate the late Rashidi Yekini as the greatest striker in the nation’s football history. Reflecting on Yekini’s legacy, Osimhen emphasized the need to honour the iconic forward, who remains Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer with 37 goals.
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Osimhen, who recently equalled Segun Odegbami’s tally of 23 international goals to become Nigeria’s joint-second all-time top scorer, shared his admiration for Yekini.
“This record stood for a very long time and still stands,” Osimhen remarked. “So, we should really give that man his flowers and also celebrate him.”
The Napoli striker, who scored the crucial equalizer in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, downplayed his own pursuit of records, instead highlighting Yekini’s enduring influence on Nigerian football.
Osimhen’s goal secured a point for the Super Eagles, ensuring their position as Group D leaders and booking their spot in next year’s tournament. Despite his growing stature, Osimhen remains 14 goals behind Yekini’s historic tally, a record that has stood for decades.
While acknowledging his ambition to score more goals for Nigeria, Osimhen stressed the importance of honouring those who paved the way. “Yekini is not just a legend; he is an inspiration to all Nigerian strikers. It’s important we never forget what he achieved for our country,” he said.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their final AFCON qualifying match against Rwanda, Osimhen is focused on helping the team succeed while continuing to build on his impressive goal-scoring record.
The forward’s call to celebrate Yekini has resonated with fans, many of whom fondly remember Yekini’s unforgettable moments, including his iconic celebration after scoring Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal in 1994.
Victor Osimhen’s rising prominence in the Super Eagles is a testament to his talent and dedication, but his respect for Yekini’s legacy shows a player deeply connected to Nigeria’s rich footballing history. As he continues his journey, Osimhen remains committed to both honoring the past and shaping the future of Nigerian football.
