Nigeria's Osimhen Chases AFCON Glory Over Scoring Records

Victor Osimhen could become Nigeria's greatest goal scorer in the next few weeks, but he's after something bigger: winning a championship for his country.

The 27-year-old striker netted his 35th international goal in Nigeria's 2-0 quarterfinal win over Algeria on Saturday, putting him just two goals behind legendary striker Rashidi Yekini's all-time record of 37. Instead of celebrating the milestone, Osimhen deflected all attention to the team's mission.

"It doesn't matter if I equal or surpass the record," Osimhen said after the match in Marrakesh. "Rashidi Yekini is the best striker the Super Eagles have ever produced and for me I just try to do my best for the team."

Yekini, who passed away in 2012, remains a national hero in Nigeria. He helped the Super Eagles win AFCON in 1994 and scored Nigeria's first-ever World Cup goal that same year in an iconic celebration that's still replayed across the country.

Osimhen has been on fire lately, scoring nine goals in his last eight international appearances. He's netted four times in Nigeria's last four AFCON matches as the Super Eagles have won all five games in the tournament while scoring 14 goals.

The timing couldn't be better for Nigerian fans. After missing out on back-to-back World Cup qualifications, including a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in November, the team has found its rhythm under Malian coach Eric Chelle.

Why This Inspires

Osimhen's humility shows what team sports are really about. At a time when individual stats and social media highlight reels often overshadow team success, here's a world-class striker putting collective achievement first.

His respect for Yekini's legacy also demonstrates how honoring the past can fuel future greatness. Rather than chasing records, Osimhen wants to join Yekini in a different hall of fame: AFCON champions.

"I just want to win something for my country," Osimhen explained. "It is not about the goals or assists, it is just about winning something with this squad."

Nigeria faces host nation Morocco in Wednesday's semifinal in Rabat. It's the same city where their World Cup dreams ended just months ago, giving the team extra motivation to rewrite that story.

Coach Chelle praised his team's identity and clinical finishing while acknowledging the challenge ahead. "We just need to try to keep this positive dynamic going," he said.

Whether Osimhen breaks Yekini's record this tournament or not, he's already cementing his own legacy as a player who puts team glory above personal honors.