Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen has expressed his admiration for the legendary Rashidi Yekini, whom he regards as the most prolific striker in the history of the Nigeria national team, the Super Eagles.
Rashidi Yekini, renowned for his successful career with clubs like Abiola Babes and Vitória Setúbal, is celebrated for his contributions to Nigerian football.
He clinched the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title and left an indelible mark as the all-time top scorer for the Super Eagles, with an impressive record of 37 goals in 62 matches.
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Yekini's international journey concluded following the 1998 World Cup in France, leaving behind a formidable legacy.
Yekini’s Unmatched Record
Statistically, Rashidi Yekini's goal-scoring prowess remains unmatched by subsequent generations of Nigerian strikers. Despite efforts from notable players like Obafemi Martins, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, and Ikechukwu Uche, Yekini's record remains untouchable.
Victor Osimhen, a rising star in Nigerian football, recently reached a milestone of twenty-one goals for the senior national team, still sixteen goals short of Yekini's remarkable tally.
Osimhen openly acknowledges the inspiration he draws from the achievements of Rashidi Yekini, particularly his Golden Boot wins in the 1992 and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
Osimhen's Ambition
When questioned about his aspirations to match Yekini's legacy for the Super Eagles, Osimhen humbly responded as reported by Allnigeriasoccer, "Yekini is the most influential, the biggest striker that the Super Eagles has ever had.
"He inspired a lot of us that have come through the ranks. He inspired us to be the goal machine that he has been. He is the pacesetter, and what he has done for the Super Eagles is unimaginable. I hope that I am able to reach there."
Chasing Second Place
Osimhen also has his sights set on surpassing Nigeria's second-highest goal-scorer in history, Segun Odegbami. To achieve this, he must score a hat-trick against Guinea-Bissau in their upcoming match.
Victor Osimhen's respect and admiration for Rashidi Yekini underscore the enduring legacy of one of Nigeria's greatest football icons, as Osimhen continues to strive for greatness in his own right.