Victor Osimhen Plays Down Comparisons with Rashidi Yekini Ahead of AFCON 2025 Opener

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As the Super Eagles prepare to face Tanzania in their AFCON 2025 Group C opener at 6:30 p.m. WAT, Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has downplayed comparisons with Nigerian football legend Rashidi Yekini.

Osimhen is now just six goals short of Yekini’s all-time scoring record for Nigeria, the mark set by the man who famously scored the country’s first-ever World Cup goal. Despite the historic milestone within reach, the 2023 CAF Player of the Year insisted that surpassing Yekini would not overshadow the late striker’s legendary status.

“To be honest, I don’t have this in my head. Even when I started playing for the Super Eagles, I never checked who the highest goalscorer in Nigeria’s history was,” Osimhen said in an interview with Pooja Media.

“I was just doing my job, helping my teammates with goals, assists, and everything. To be mentioned alongside the greatest striker Nigeria has ever produced is an honour. Whether I equal or surpass his record, it doesn’t diminish what Late Rashidi Yekini did for the Super Eagles. I’m proud to walk in his footsteps.”

Osimhen’s teammate, Cyriel Dessers, has expressed confidence in the forward’s potential to become Nigeria’s greatest-ever footballer. Yet the Galatasaray striker remains focused on team performance rather than individual accolades.

“It’s not about me alone. Many people believe in me and depend on me, and I appreciate that, but we have a talented squad capable of dictating the game. I’ll do my part with goals, assists, or even supporting the defence and midfield,” he added.

Osimhen emphasised that collective effort will be key to Nigeria’s success at AFCON 2025, following the country’s absence from the recent World Cup. “I’ll give everything, as I always have since wearing the green and white. I’m confident in the quality of our players and know we’ll complement each other on the pitch,” he said.

The Super Eagles will kick off their Group C campaign at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, aiming to make a strong statement in the tournament.