Victor Osimhen Surpasses Segun Odegbami’s Goal Record for Nigeria

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has etched his name deeper into the history books of Nigerian football by surpassing the legendary Segun Odegbami’s goal record for the national team. The 26-year-old achieved the milestone during Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Friday, scoring his 24th goal for the Super Eagles.

Osimhen’s historic goal came from a perfectly executed free-kick by Ademola Lookman. The Napoli forward displayed impeccable timing and precision, guiding the ball into the net at the far post to give Nigeria the lead. This goal not only solidified his place as one of Nigeria’s most prolific strikers but also propelled him to second place on the country’s all-time goal-scoring chart.

With this achievement, Osimhen is now chasing the record set by the late Rashidi Yekini, who remains Nigeria’s all-time top scorer with 37 goals. Osimhen’s 24th goal came in his 39th appearance for the national team, highlighting his consistency and impact on the pitch.

The striker had previously equaled Odegbami’s record of 23 goals during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier last November. Since then, Osimhen has continued to shine, both for club and country.

This season, Osimhen has been in exceptional form, netting 20 goals and providing four assists in 20 Super Lig appearances for Galatasaray, where he currently plies his trade. Across all competitions, he has tallied an impressive 26 goals and five assists in 30 games, further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most lethal forwards.

As Nigeria continues its quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Osimhen’s form will be crucial. His ability to deliver in critical moments has already made him a fan favorite, and with his sights set on Yekini’s record, the Nigerian star shows no signs of slowing down.

Osimhen’s rise to prominence is a testament to his hard work, talent, and determination. As he continues to break records and inspire a new generation of footballers, the Super Eagles will undoubtedly rely on his prowess to achieve their goals on the international stage.