Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has played down comparisons with Nigerian great Rashidi Yekini, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Napoli man is closing in on Yekini’s all-time goal record with Nigeria, and is just six goals behind the man who scored the Super Eagles’ first goal at a World Cup tournament.
With Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign set to kick off against Tanzania this evening, the tournament serves as a perfect platform for Osimhen to break Yekini’s record.
However, the 2023 CAF Player of the Year has revealed him breaking the record would take nothing away from the legendary feat Yekini achieved in the Green and White Colours of the Super Eagles.
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Victor Osimhen plays down Rashidi Yekini comparison
Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers believes the former LOSC Lille striker has what it takes to become the greatest-ever Nigerian footballer. However, Osimhen played it down.
“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,” the one-time Serie A winner said in an interview with Pooja Media.
“I was just doing my job, trying to help my teammates with goals, assists and everything, but to be up there with the greatest striker the country has ever produced is something to be proud of.
“It doesn’t matter if I surpass or equal it; he’s the greatest ever, and to be mentioned alongside him is a privilege.
“As always, I’ll help my teammates with goals and assists, and if I equal or surpass the record, then that’s it. However, that doesn’t diminish what Late Rashidi Yekini did for the Super Eagles, and I’m happy to walk in his footsteps.
After Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup, the AFCON 2025 tournament seems to be the place where they can atone for their miss.
The Galatasaray forward revealed he knows the expectations on himself and the Nigerian team, and confirmed they’ll do all it takes to make Nigerians proud.
“It’s not about me or Osimhen. I know a lot of people believe in me and depend on me, and I appreciate that, but I think we have talents in the squad that can dictate how the game should be, so I’ll just try to help with goals or assists or come into the defence or midfield to help my teammates.
“Of course, I’ll give everything as I’ve always done since I started wearing the green and white colours of Nigeria.
“It is paramount to up my game when playing for the Super Eagles, so I’ll give my everything, and I know other quality players that I’m depending on to bring their best as well.
“We’ll complement each other. I’m positive about the players we have in the camp,” Osimhen concluded.
Nigeria begin their AFCON 2025 campaign today at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with kick-off slated for 6:00 PM WAT.