Sunday, October 11, 2026

AFCON 2025: Osimhen edges closer to Yekini’s historic goal record

Yekini retired in 1998 as Nigeria’s leading scorer with 37 goals from 62 appearances, a record that has stood for decades.

• January 6, 2026
Victor Osimhen and Rashidi Yekini
Victor Osimhen and Rashidi Yekini

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is three goals away from equalling Rashidi Yekini’s Nigeria scoring record after a brace against Mozambique.

Nigeria thrashed Mozambique 4-0 in their 2025 AFCON round of 16 clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco, with goals from Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams.

Osimhen struck in the 25th and 47th minutes to raise his international tally to 34 goals, three short of Yekini’s long-standing record.

The Galatasaray forward was later substituted in the 63rd minute following a brief on-field disagreement with Lookman.

He opened the scoring by tapping in Akor Adams’ assist and doubled Nigeria’s lead early in the second half from Lookman’s pass.

The match also marked Osimhen’s 50th appearance for Nigeria, underlining his growing legacy with the national team.

Yekini retired in 1998 as Nigeria’s leading scorer with 37 goals from 62 appearances, a record that has stood for decades.

Since March 2025, Osimhen has enjoyed a prolific run, scoring nine goals in 10 matches for the Super Eagles.

He overtook Segun Odegbami to become Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer in March 2025 and continues to close in on Yekini.

Despite nearing the record, Osimhen said his focus remains on helping Nigeria win a fourth AFCON title.

He said, “I don’t think about records. I just fight for the team and try to contribute with goals and assists.”

Osimhen has now scored three goals at AFCON 2025, placing him joint second in the tournament’s scoring chart.

Nigeria will face either Algeria or DR Congo in Saturday’s quarter-final encounter.

(NAN) 

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Taiwo Oyedele

World

Oyedele leads Nigeria delegation to IMF annual meeting

The meetings, scheduled for October 12 to October 18, will be attended by delegations from more than 190 countries.

President Bola Tinubu

States

Niger Delta group endorses Tinubu for second term, demands 25% oil derivation

Mr Udoh said Nigeria’s history was intertwined with oil exploration in the Niger Delta.

Seyi Makinde

Politics

2027: Makinde vows to tackle insecurity, poverty through reforms

Mr Makinde said power-sharing under his administration would not favour any particular part of the country.

Aminu Abdussalam-Gwarzo

States

NDC urges calm over omission of Kano governorship candidate from INEC list

The party said that Mr Abdussalam-Gwarzo had fulfilled all the requirements for the election.

Governor Ahmed Ododo

States

Ododo urges Kogi Christian leaders to promote unity, peace

The governor commended CAN for 50 years of faith, worship, unity and service to humanity.

King Khalid International Airport

World

At least 12 killed, over 300 injured in Houthi attack on Saudi airport

The dead included four Saudis, two Bangladeshis and one resident each from the U.S., Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.