AFCON 2025: Osimhen edges closer to Nigeria’s all-time top scorer record after Tunisia strike

AFCON 2025: Osimhen edges closer to Nigeria’s all-time top scorer record after Tunisia strike

Hassan Abdulsalam 08:49 - 28.12.2025

Super Eagles star is just five goals away from becoming Nigeria’s all-time top scorer.

Victor Osimhen has taken another major step toward Nigerian football history after scoring in the Super Eagles’ 3–2 victory over Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Osimhen celebrating his goal || X
Victor Osimhen celebrating his goal || X

The Galatasaray striker’s goal, Nigeria’s opener in the Group C clash on Saturday, moved him to 32 international goals, leaving him just five goals short of the long-standing national record held by legendary forward Rashidi Yekini.

Osimhen Breaks the Deadlock

After missing a few presentable chances earlier in the game, Osimhen eventually found the breakthrough late in the first half.

The 26-year-old rose highest to power home a header from a pinpoint cross delivered by Ademola Lookman, giving Nigeria a deserved lead.

The goal set the tone for a pulsating encounter that ended in a 3–2 win for the Super Eagles—Nigeria’s second consecutive victory of the tournament.

The win over Tunisia officially secured Nigeria’s place in the Round of 16, with a group game still to spare.

Closing in on History

With 32 goals, Osimhen has further extended his lead over Nigerian football icon Segun Odegbami, who sits third on the all-time scorers’ list.

He now stands firmly behind only Rashidi Yekini, whose record of 37 goals has remained untouched for decades.

Given Osimhen’s age, form, and central role in the team, many observers believe it is only a matter of time before he surpasses the mark and writes his name at the very top of Nigeria’s scoring charts.