Nigeria’s commanding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in the AFCON qualifiers has made waves in the sports world. Victor Osimhen, a key figure in Nigerian football, contributed significantly by scoring in the 79th minute, doubling Nigeria’s lead. His clinical performance further bolstered his reputation, solidifying his place among Nigeria’s all-time top scorers……..CONTINUE READING
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top scorers in Nigeria’s football history, according to Soccernet.ng:
1. Rashidi Yekini (37 goals)
The legendary Kaduna-born striker remains Nigeria’s top scorer, with 37 goals in 62 appearances. Yekini’s career, spanning over two decades (1984-1998), saw him represent Nigeria in seven major tournaments, including two World Cups (1994 and 1998). Scoring Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 1994 tournament further cemented his place in Nigerian football folklore.
2. Segun Odegbami (23 goals)
Known for his speed and precision, Odegbami was instrumental in Nigeria’s first AFCON title in 1980. With 23 goals in 46 appearances, the former Shooting Stars forward remains a legendary figure in Nigerian football. However, with Osimhen just one goal behind, Odegbami’s second-place ranking could soon change.
3. Victor Osimhen (22 goals)
Currently Africa’s reigning Footballer of the Year, Osimhen has been a sensation following his impressive season with Napoli. His goal against Benin brought his tally to 22 in just 36 appearances, putting him on the brink of surpassing Odegbami. Osimhen has already won the Golden Boot at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, but he has yet to make his mark at the senior World Cup level. With plenty of years ahead, his potential to dominate Nigeria’s scoring charts is undeniable…..CONTINUE READING
4. Yakubu Aiyegbeni (21 goals)
Nicknamed “The Yak,” Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s career was remarkable both at the international level and in the Premier League, where he remains Nigeria’s top scorer. With 21 goals in 58 appearances for the Super Eagles, Yakubu is fourth on the list. He represented Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup and the 2000 Olympics. His Premier League prowess sees him ranked as the third-highest African scorer in the league, behind Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Adebayor.
5. Ikechukwu Uche (19 goals)
Renowned for his acrobatic goal celebrations, Ikechukwu Uche enjoyed a successful career in Spain, playing for various La Liga clubs. Uche scored 19 goals in 48 appearances….CONTINUE READING
