A Legacy of Goals: Tracking the Super Eagles’ All-Time Top Scorers

The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a commanding 4–0 win over the Benin Republic on Tuesday evening, securing a spot in the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The star of the evening was Victor Osimhen, who netted a remarkable hat-trick in front of an ecstatic crowd in Uyo. His performance not only propelled Nigeria to victory but also elevated him to second place on the nation’s all-time leading goal scorers’ list.

Osimhen, who now boasts 29 goals in just 43 international appearances, has edged closer to breaking the long-standing goal record held by Rashidi Yekini. Yekini, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated strikers, scored 37 goals in 62 matches—a record that has stood unchallenged for over 20 years. With Osimhen just eight goals behind, fans and analysts alike are beginning to anticipate a potential changing of the guard at the top of the scoring charts.

The 24-year-old Napoli striker wasted no time making his mark against Benin, opening the scoring in the third minute following a smart assist from Samuel Chukwueze. He struck again in the 37th minute with a towering header, and completed his hat-trick early in the second half by converting a well-placed free-kick delivered by Moses Simon. Midfielder Frank Onyeka came off the bench to score Nigeria’s fourth goal in stoppage time, putting the result beyond doubt.

The emphatic win has revived confidence in the team as they move one step closer to another World Cup appearance. Osimhen’s consistent goal-scoring form has sparked comparisons with past greats, and many believe it’s only a matter of time before he surpasses Yekini’s iconic tally.

As of October 2025, here’s how the Super Eagles’ top 10 all-time goal scorers stand:

1. Rashidi Yekini – 37 goals in 62 appearances

2. Victor Osimhen – 29 goals in 43 appearances

3. Segun Odegbami – 23 goals in 46 appearances

4. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 21 goals in 57 appearances

5. Ikechukwu Uche – 19 goals in 46 appearances

6. Obafemi Martins – 18 goals in 48 appearances

7. Sunday Oyarekhua – 17 goals in 28 appearances

8. Samson Siasia – 16 goals in 51 appearances

9. Odion Ighalo – 16 goals in 37 appearances

10. Ahmed Musa – 16 goals in 109 appearances

Osimhen’s rapid rise and impressive scoring rate have put him on a historic trajectory. With youth on his side and consistent form, he is now widely regarded as the most likely candidate to eclipse Yekini’s legendary mark in the near future.