Super Eagles vice-captain Victor Osimhen has revealed that former Nigerian internationals Odion Ighalo and Obafemi Martins serve as the primary catalysts for his prolific national team career. During a recent interview with CBS Sports Golazo, the Galatasaray forward admitted that while he never witnessed the late legendary striker Rashidi Yekini perform live, he deeply respects the monumental impact the “Goals-father” left on African football. Osimhen currently boasts 35 international goals, placing him just two strikes away from equalling Yekini’s long-standing record of 37 goals for the three-time African champions.
The 27-year-old striker emphasized that the legacies of Ighalo and Martins provided him with a tangible blueprint for success when he transitioned into the senior squad. He credits Ighalo’s mentorship and Martins’ explosive style as influential factors in his own development as a world-class attacker. As Nigeria prepares for their high-stakes 2025 AFCON semi-final against Morocco this Wednesday, Osimhen views the potential of surpassing Yekini not just as a statistical achievement, but as a profound tribute to the icons who preceded him.
“Although I didn’t watch Rashidi Yekini in blessed memory played. But he’s done something that has inspired a lot of people, which inspires me,” Osimhen said via CBS Sports Golazo. “Also, like Odion Ighalo, whom I draw a lot of inspiration from, as well as Obafemi Martins. So for me, it would be up there on the verge of trying to break Yekini’s record. It’s something I will never forget in my life. It’s something I will hold on higher esteem, it’s an honour for me,” he said.
Osimhen’s journey toward the record has gained significant momentum during the current tournament in Morocco, where he has already registered four goals and two assists. His recent strike in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria solidified his position as Nigeria’s second all-time leading scorer, moving him past the legendary Segun Odegbami. Despite the growing media frenzy surrounding the milestone, the former Napoli star maintains that his primary objective remains leading the Super Eagles to their first continental title since 2013.
The technical crew, led by Éric Chelle, continues to build the team’s offensive strategy around Osimhen’s relentless work rate and clinical finishing. With support from creative teammates like Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, the striker enters the semi-final in Rabat with a historic opportunity to rewrite the record books. Whether he matches the tally on Wednesday or in future qualifiers, Osimhen’s ascent confirms his status as the definitive leader of Nigeria’s modern football era.
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