Victor Osimhen has dismissed comparisons with Rashidi Yekini after equaling Segun Odegbami’s record as Nigeria’s second-highest goal scorer.
The Napoli forward, whose 81st-minute header in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic on Thursday took his international tally to 23 goals, emphasised his focus on team success over personal accolades.
“No, no. I really don’t care about this. I just want to do my job and try to win games, score goals, provide a lot of assists for my team,” Osimhen told Making of Champions.
His latest goal places him alongside Odegbami, both trailing Yekini, who holds Nigeria’s all-time record with 37 goals. However, Osimhen downplayed the significance of closing in on Yekini’s record.
“Then if I equal it, I equal it; if I surpass it, I surpass it, but that doesn’t take away that Rashidi Yekini is the greatest striker the Super Eagles have ever had,” he said.
Osimhen praised Yekini’s legacy, highlighting the late striker’s enduring impact on Nigerian football.
“This record stood for a very, very long time, and it still stands, so I think we should give him his flowers and also celebrate him,” Osimhen added.
Osimhen, who achieved the 23-goal mark in 37 games—nine fewer than Odegbami—will have another chance to add to his tally when Nigeria face Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.
