Nigeria’s golden boy Victor Osimhen is just eight goals away from rewriting football history — and with the Super Eagles soaring into the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, the stage is perfectly set for the Galatasaray forward to claim Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring crown.
Fresh from a hat-trick performance in the 4–0 demolition of Benin Republic in Uyo, Osimhen has now netted 29 goals in 44 appearances for Nigeria, closing in fast on Yekini’s revered 37-goal national record.
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His lethal form and leadership have turned him into the heartbeat of the Super Eagles’ resurgence.
CAF’s updated qualification system, following Eritrea’s withdrawal, confirmed Nigeria among the second-placed teams heading into the African playoffs in Morocco next month.
The winners there will earn a ticket to the Six-Team Intercontinental Playoff in Mexico, where two nations will clinch the final spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
But all eyes remain fixed on Osimhen, who has found a new home — and new fire — in Galatasaray, after his high-profile move from Napoli this summer for a record-breaking €75 million. The Turkish champions’ fans have already nicknamed him “The Lion of Lagos”, after his 18 goals in just 11 league appearances.
Now, Osimhen’s next hunt is not just about taking Nigeria back to the world stage — it’s about surpassing Yekini and becoming Nigeria’s undisputed goal king.
“Yekini opened the door for us, and it would be an honor to continue his legacy. But most importantly, I want to take Nigeria to the World Cup.”
With his current scoring pace and Nigeria’s momentum heading into the playoffs, eight goals no longer look like a mountain — they look like destiny.
And if he delivers, Victor Osimhen won’t just break a record; he’ll define a generation
