Victor Osimhen has moved up to second place on Nigeria’s all-time goal-scoring chart after netting twice in the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory over Rwanda in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday.
The Galatasaray striker, who was returning to the squad after missing the first four qualifiers, scored in the 11th minute by volleying in Ademola Lookman’s free-kick from close range.
He doubled Nigeria’s lead in first-half stoppage time, racing past a Rwandan defender before lifting the ball over the goalkeeper for his 25th international goal.
With this feat, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year surpassed Segun Odegbami on Nigeria’s all-time scorers list and now trails only the late Rashidi Yekini, who scored 37 goals for the Super Eagles.
Since making his international debut on June 10, 2017, Osimhen has recorded 25 goals in 37 appearances, boasting an impressive strike rate of 0.61 goals per game.
Nigeria’s win against Rwanda marks a much-needed boost in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, following a poor start in which they failed to win any of their first four matches.
Osimhen’s return to the squad has reignited hopes of securing a place in the tournament.
With his current scoring form, speculation grows that the 26-year-old striker could surpass Yekini’s long-standing record and cement his legacy as Nigeria’s greatest-ever goal scorer.
