Former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami has expressed joy after Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen surpassed his long-standing goal record for the national team.
Osimhen netted his 24th and 25th goals for Nigeria in Friday’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Kigali, moving up to second on Nigeria’s all-time scorers list behind the late Rashidi Yekini, who holds the record with 37 goals.
“Osimhen has finally overtaken me, and I think that is great because the record has been there for a very long time. I am very happy for him and wish him the best,” Odegbami said.
At 26, Osimhen still has plenty of time to chase Yekini’s record. Odegbami, who retired from international football in 1981, had held the position of Nigeria’s second-highest goal scorer for 44 years with 23 goals in 47 appearances between 1976 and 1981.
Osimhen, enjoying a strong season, had equaled Odegbami’s record last November during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in an AFCON qualifier. Now, with 12 more goals needed to match Yekini’s tally, he is firmly on track to make history.
Odegbami, a key figure in Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning squad, also praised the team’s dominant display against Rwanda.
“I am really impressed with the Eagles’ performance in Kigali. That was their most convincing win in a decade,” he added.
Since making his Super Eagles debut in June 2017, Osimhen has continued to shine, delivering standout performances, including two hat-tricks in AFCON qualifiers.
