Nigeria’s Top 10 Highest Goalscorers – Is Osimhen Poised to Break the Unbreakable?

When you hear the names of football legends, especially those who have been breaking ankles on the pitch for Nigeria, certain figures pop up: Yekini, Odegbami, Aiyegbeni.

But today, the new boy with the big boots, Victor Osimhen, has not only climbed his way up the ladder but might soon take the top spot. After all, goalscoring for Nigeria seems like a family business, and Osimhen is the rebellious son destined to outshine his fathers. But let’s get into why this story has all the makings of a classic Nigerian drama with some humor on the side.

Osimhen’s 22nd Goal: Overtaking Yakubu, Eyeing Odegbami

It was a hot Saturday evening in Uyo, and the Super Eagles had taken on Benin Republic in what many considered a routine win. But there was something special in the air. No, it wasn’t just the breeze from the Atlantic, but the hunger in Victor Osimhen’s eyes as he stepped onto the field in the 72nd minute. You could almost hear the whispers, “Yakubu, no dey breathe well o!”

Just six minutes after his introduction, Osimhen latched onto a low cross from Wilfred Ndidi, acrobatically placing the ball past Benin’s goalkeeper. If you were expecting the goalkeeper to dive, sorry, he was still reading the script. Osimhen’s goal doubled Nigeria’s lead, and in that moment, the 25-year-old became Nigeria’s third-highest goalscorer, edging past Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s 21-goal tally.

Now, you have to wonder, is Yakubu somewhere looking for his boots? After all, he still hasn’t forgiven himself for that miss of the century at the 2010 World Cup. But let’s leave that story for another day.

Osimhen’s Real Target: Odegbami and Yekini

With 22 goals, Osimhen is breathing down the neck of Segun Odegbami, who holds the second spot with 23 goals. Odegbami, affectionately called “Mathematical,” might be doing the math right now. One more goal from Osimhen and his 23-year-old record could be history. As for Rashidi Yekini, who reigns with 37 goals, his throne still looks secure. Or is it?

If Osimhen continues at this pace, he might just do the unthinkable. The way this man is banging in goals, Yekini’s 37 goals might start sweating a little. Yekini’s legacy is like the Okonkwo of Nigerian football—strong, untouchable—but as Chinua Achebe once said, “Things Fall Apart.” Is Osimhen the one to bring that collapse?

Top 10 Nigeria’s All-Time Goalscorers:

1. Rashidi Yekini – 37 goals
2. Segun Odegbami – 23 goals
3. Victor Osimhen – 22 goals
4. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 21 goals
5. Ikechukwu Uche – 19 goals
6. Obafemi Martins – 18 goals
7. Sunday Oyarekhu – 17 goals
8. Samson Siasia – 16 goals
9. Odion Jude Ighalo – 16 goals
10. Ahmed Musa – 16 goals

This top 10 list reads like the cast of a Nollywood blockbuster. Each one of them has a storyline that will make you either scream in delight or roll your eyes in frustration. But the real plot twist? Osimhen’s story has just begun. 

Is Osimhen Overhyped?

But hold on, before we anoint Osimhen as the future King of Nigerian football, let’s ask the tough question: is he really all that, or are we just caught up in the hype? Sure, he’s got the goals, the looks, and the swagger, but some critics argue that the Super Eagles haven’t been tested by top-tier teams recently. Would Osimhen shine just as brightly against the football giants like Brazil or Germany? Or is he just enjoying a cruise through the easier fixtures?

It’s not enough to simply score goals; it’s about the stage you do it on. So, while Osimhen’s journey to surpass Yekini looks promising, we’ll need to see how he performs when the real pressure mounts. Because, as Nigerians like to say, “Na when you hammer, dem go know if you fit carry the wahala.”

For now, we’ll enjoy the ride. Victor Osimhen has his eyes set on Odegbami, but the real challenge is toppling the legend that is Yekini. Let’s see if he can deliver or if it’s all just a fleeting moment of brilliance.