Victor Osimhen has become Nigeria’s second-highest goal scorer after netting a first-half brace in the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at the Amavubi Stadium on Friday.
The Napoli striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray, opened the scoring in the 11th minute before adding his second goal just before halftime. His 25th goal for Nigeria saw him surpass Segun Odegbami’s 23-goal record, cementing his place in Nigeria’s football history.
Osimhen’s heroics not only propelled him up the goal-scoring charts but also handed Eric Chelle his first win as Nigeria’s coach. The Super Eagles, desperate for a win after a slow start to the qualifiers (three draws and one loss), dominated the match and secured a convincing three-goal victory over Rwanda.
With 25 international goals, Osimhen now stands just 12 goals behind Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer with 37 goals. If he maintains his form, he could break the record shortly.
Nigeria’s top ten all-time goal scorers
Rashidi Yekini (1984–1998) – 37 goals
Victor Osimhen (2017–present) – 25 goals
Segun Odegbami (1976–1982) – 23 goals
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (2000–2012) – 21 goals
Ikechukwu Uche (2007–2015) – 19 goals
Obafemi Martins (2004–2015) – 18 goals
Sunday Oyarekhua (1971–1976) – 17 goals
Samson Siasia (1984–1999) – 16 goals
Odion Ighalo (2015–2022) – 16 goals
Ahmed Musa (2010–present) – 16 goals
With more qualifiers ahead, Osimhen has a golden opportunity to continue rewriting history as he leads Nigeria’s charge toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
