29 and Climbing: Osimhen Nears Yekini’s All-Time Nigeria Scoring Record
Victor Osimhen has moved even closer to becoming Nigeria’s all-time top goal scorer after scoring a hat-trick in the Super Eagles’ 4–0 win over Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Playing at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, the striker’s three goals helped Nigeria reach the CAF playoff stage — and also brought him nearer to a long-standing record held by football legend Rashidi Yekini.
Osimhen Now on 29 Goals for Nigeria
Osimhen started the match with 26 international goals. After scoring three times against Benin, he now has 29 goals for the Super Eagles.
That means he needs just 8 more goals to equal Yekini’s record of 37 goals, which has remained unbeaten for over 20 years.
Nigeria’s Top Goal Scorers (All Time)
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Rashidi Yekini – 37 goals
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Victor Osimhen – 29 goals
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Segun Odegbami – 23 goals
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 21 goals
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Ikechukwu Uche – 19 goals
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Obafemi Martins – 18 goals
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Sunday Oyarekua – 17 goals
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Siasia, Ighalo, Musa – 16 goals each
Can Osimhen Break the Record Before 2026?
At only 26 years old, and with several matches still to come before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many fans believe Osimhen has enough time and form to surpass Yekini’s record.
Since his debut in 2017, the former Napoli and now Galatasaray striker has become one of Africa’s most dangerous forwards, and he continues to rise among Nigeria’s football greats.
