Victor Osimhen’s rise to prominence in Nigerian football has been nothing short of meteoric. His prolific goalscoring ability, evident both at club and international levels, has propelled him into the national spotlight and positioned him as a potential successor to the legendary Rashidi Yekini. Osimhen’s journey, characterized by both triumphs and setbacks, reflects his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. His recent performances have sparked conversations comparing him to past Nigerian greats, highlighting the significant impact he’s making on the nation’s football landscape. Osimhen’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and a burning desire to etch his name in the annals of Nigerian football history.
Osimhen’s international career began with a bang at the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he showcased his prodigious talent by scoring a remarkable ten goals in seven matches. This exceptional performance earned him the Golden Boot, the Silver Ball, and the CAF Youth Player of the Year award. However, his transition to the senior team wasn’t as seamless. His debut in 2017 against South Africa ended in defeat, and he missed the 2018 World Cup due to inconsistent form at Wolfsburg. Yet, Osimhen’s resilience shone through. A successful loan spell at Charleroi rejuvenated his career, paving the way for a triumphant return to the international stage. He played a pivotal role in the U-23 team’s comeback against Libya in 2019, scoring three crucial goals. Later that year, he further solidified his importance to the national team by contributing significantly to Nigeria’s third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations, stepping up admirably after Odion Ighalo’s injury.
Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess continued to flourish in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers. He displayed his clinical finishing ability with a four-goal haul against São Tomé and Príncipe and followed it up with another hat-trick in the return fixture, ultimately finishing as the top scorer with an impressive ten goals. These performances underscored his growing influence on the team and solidified his place as a key figure in Nigeria’s attack. His brace against Rwanda pushed him past Segun Odegbami’s long-standing record of 23 international goals, firmly placing Osimhen second on Nigeria’s all-time scoring list, behind only the legendary Yekini. This achievement further fueled comparisons between Osimhen and Yekini, sparking debates about whether he could eventually eclipse the iconic striker’s record.
Despite the accolades and comparisons, Osimhen remains grounded and reverential towards Yekini’s legacy. He acknowledges Yekini’s enduring impact on Nigerian football and the significance of the record he set. Osimhen’s humility and respect for his predecessors underscore his character and maturity, recognizing that surpassing records doesn’t diminish the achievements of those who came before him. He views his role as scoring goals and helping his team win, regardless of individual accolades. This perspective underscores his team-oriented approach and his understanding of the collective effort required for success in football.
Rashidi Yekini’s legacy looms large in Nigerian football history. His dominance in African football, including top scorer honours at the 1992 and 1994 AFCON tournaments, and his historic goal at the 1994 World Cup – Nigeria’s first ever at the tournament – cemented his place as an icon. His 37 goals in 62 appearances represent a benchmark that has stood for nearly three decades, a testament to his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the game. Osimhen’s pursuit of this record is not just a personal ambition; it’s a challenge that resonates with the entire nation, eager to see another Nigerian striker reach such heights.
Osimhen’s club form has been equally impressive, mirroring his success on the international stage. His prolific goal-scoring and assist-providing abilities have made him a crucial player for Galatasaray. This consistency across both club and international levels highlights his adaptability and underscores his value as a versatile attacker. While his individual performances have been exceptional, Nigeria’s journey through the World Cup qualifiers has been fraught with challenges. The Super Eagles carry the weight of their disappointment from missing the 2022 World Cup, adding pressure to their current campaign. The appointment of Eric Chelle as coach in 2025 signaled a renewed effort to revitalize the team and restore its standing in international football.
Despite Osimhen’s consistent contributions, Nigeria’s qualifying campaign has been unpredictable. A draw against Zimbabwe left them in a precarious position, trailing South Africa by six points. While automatic qualification seems unlikely, the possibility of securing a play-off spot remains. This precarious situation highlights the challenges the Super Eagles face and emphasizes the importance of Osimhen’s continued contributions in the crucial matches ahead. The pressure to perform and deliver results is immense, with the hopes of a nation resting on the team’s ability to secure a place in the World Cup. Osimhen recognizes the weight of these expectations and embraces the challenge of leading his nation to the world stage.
