Victor Osimhen has said surpassing the Super Eagles’ all-time goals record is not his priority, stressing that his main focus is winning silverware for Nigeria.
The striker was on target and also provided an assist as Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday.
Osimhen’s goal was his fourth of the tournament, taking his total tally for the Super Eagles to 35 goals — just two shy of the long-standing record held by Rashidi Yekini.
Reacting after the match, the 27-year-old hailed Yekini as the “best striker Nigeria has ever produced”.
“It doesn’t matter if I equal the record or surpass it. Rashidi Yekini is the best striker Nigeria has ever produced,” Osimhen said.
“I have the likes of Odion Ighalo, who have inspired me also. I just want to win something for my country. And with the help of my teammates, I’m on that path.”
At the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, Osimhen found the net just once as Nigeria finished runners-up after losing the final to the hosts. In Morocco, however, he has already scored four goals, with at least two more matches left to play.
Osimhen attributed his impressive form at the ongoing AFCON to growing confidence and personal development, describing himself as improving “as a player and as a person.”