Super Eagles assistant captain Victor Osimhen has paid tribute to two former Nigerian strikers he says have played a major role in inspiring his football journey with the national team, as he closes in on a historic goalscoring milestone.
The prolific forward, who currently plays his club football in Turkey with Galatasaray, revealed that although he never had the opportunity to watch the late Rashidi Yekini play during his active years, the legendary striker’s achievements continue to motivate him. Osimhen also singled out Odion Ighalo and Obafemi Martins as key figures who have influenced his development and mindset as a striker for Nigeria.
Osimhen is now just two goals away from equalling Yekini’s long-standing record of 37 goals for the Super Eagles, a landmark that has stood for decades and remains one of the most revered achievements in Nigerian football history. The possibility of matching or surpassing that record has added extra significance to Osimhen’s already impressive international career.
Speaking in an interview, Osimhen reflected on the legacy of Rashidi Yekini and the impact it continues to have on current and future generations of Nigerian footballers.
“Although I didn’t watch Rashidi Yekini in blessed memory play, he’s done something that has inspired a lot of people, which inspires me,” Osimhen said. “What he achieved with the national team is something that still resonates with us today.”
Yekini, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest strikers, remains an iconic figure in Nigerian football. His goals, passion, and unforgettable celebrations left a lasting imprint on the Super Eagles and helped elevate Nigeria’s status on the global stage. For Osimhen, the weight of that legacy is both humbling and motivating as he continues to write his own chapter in the team’s history.
In addition to Yekini, Osimhen highlighted two more recent Super Eagles stars as personal inspirations. He pointed to Odion Ighalo, whose contributions to Nigeria’s attack during major tournaments earned him admiration, and Obafemi Martins, known for his explosive pace and fearless style of play.
“Also, like Odion Ighalo, whom I draw a lot of inspiration from, as well as Obafemi Martins,” Osimhen said. “For me, it would be up there on the verge of trying to break Yekini’s record.”
Osimhen’s admiration for these former strikers reflects his appreciation of different eras of Nigerian football. While Yekini represented power and instinct in the penalty area, Martins brought speed and unpredictability, and Ighalo provided leadership and consistency during key moments for the national team. Osimhen has combined elements of all three, blending physical strength, pace, and finishing ability into his own unique style.
The Napoli-born striker has enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years, becoming one of the most feared forwards in world football. His performances for both club and country have earned him global recognition, while his leadership role with the Super Eagles highlights his growing influence within the squad.
Osimhen described the possibility of matching or surpassing Yekini’s goal record as an emotional and unforgettable prospect. He emphasised that such an achievement would go beyond personal glory, representing a proud moment for himself, his family, and the nation.
“It’s something I will never forget in my life,” he said. “It’s something I will hold in higher esteem. It’s an honour for me.”
Those words reflect the deep sense of responsibility Osimhen feels when wearing the green and white jersey. For him, every goal is not just a statistic but a contribution to the legacy of Nigerian football and a source of inspiration for young players across the country and the wider African continent.
Osimhen’s journey has not been without challenges. From humble beginnings to becoming a global football star, his rise has been defined by resilience, hard work, and an unrelenting desire to improve. That mindset, he says, has been shaped by watching and learning from those who came before him.
As Nigeria continues its quest for success in international competitions, Osimhen remains central to the team’s ambitions. His goals, energy, and leadership have made him a key figure in the Super Eagles setup, and his hunger for success shows no sign of fading.
Football analysts believe Osimhen is well placed to eventually surpass Yekini’s record, given his age, form, and consistent presence in the national team. However, the striker himself appears focused less on records and more on contributing to the team’s collective success.
For Nigerian fans, Osimhen’s comments serve as a reminder of the rich history of the Super Eagles and the continuity between past legends and present stars. His respect for former players underscores the importance of legacy in Nigerian football, where each generation builds on the achievements of the last.
As Osimhen edges closer to one of the most significant milestones in Nigerian football, expectations will continue to rise. Yet, his words suggest a player grounded by humility and motivated by honour rather than pressure.
Whether or not he breaks Yekini’s record, Osimhen has already secured his place among Nigeria’s great forwards. His performances, leadership, and respect for the game’s history ensure that his impact will be felt long after his playing days are over.
For now, the Super Eagles forward remains focused on scoring goals, helping his team win, and carrying forward the legacy left behind by the legends who inspired him.
Follow Africa Live News for more sports and football updates:
Website: https://www.africalivenews.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricaLiveNews
X (Twitter): https://x.com/africalivenews2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africalivenews
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@africalivenews.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AfricaLiveNews
