Victor Osimhen has stated that he remains focused on achieving success with the Super Eagles at the 2025 African Cup of Nations, rather than breaking the national team’s all-time goalscoring record, SportPremi reports.
Osimhen, 27, scored for Nigeria in their 2-0 win over Algeria in the quarterfinals to move to only two goals behind the late Rashidi Yekini in the country’s all-time scoring charts.
With two matches left to play for the three-time champions in Morocco, the 27-year-old could break the record and become the outright holder of the goalscoring record.
Nigeria produced their most dominant performance so far at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco in their 2-0 win over Algeria in the last eight.
The Desert Warriors will be flattered by the scoreline as the Super Eagles limited them to no attempt for the first 70 minutes of the clash.
The Super Eagles were denied a goal in a one-sided first half by a goal line clearance, but they nudged ahead just two minutes into the second half.
Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a stunning cross for Osimhen to head home past Luca Zidane for the opening goal of the clash.
Osimhen turned provider 10 minutes later as he played in Akor Adams who rounded Zidane and walked the ball into an empty net.
The three-time African champions had several other attempts to add to the scoreline, but were wasteful as the match ended 2-0.
Nigeria will meet Morocco in the semifinal on the 14th of January, for a place in the final of the tournament.
What Osimhen said after Algeria win
Victor Osimhen claimed the player of the match award for his superb display for Nigeria and was quizzed about breaking Rashidi Yekini’s record after the match.
“Not at all. It doesn’t matter if I equal the record or surpass it. Yekini is the best striker Nigeria has ever produced. I just want to win something for my country and I am happy that with my team mates, I’m on that path”, the 27-year-old stated.
“For me, it doesn’t take anything away from Yekini as the greatest striker Nigeria have ever produced. I am just doing my best and focusing on being part of history for the Super Eagles at the tournament.”
The Super Eagles star also reflected on the team’s performance against Algeria, giving accolades to his teammates for an impressive outing.
“I want to say a very big congratulations to the whole team because we faced a very good team in Algeria and the kind of quality players they possess.
For me, I try to do my job and fight for the team, get goals, and assist, and I am happy both worked for me today. But I won’t take the glory alone but thank the whole squad for their display. So I congratulate the whole team for this victory”, Osimhen concluded.
