Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen continued his red-hot form for the Super Eagles, scoring a brilliant brace in Nigeria’s 4–1 victory over Gabon in Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The treble not only powered Nigeria into the World Cup playoffs but also brought Osimhen within touching distance of Rashidi Yekini’s legendary goalscoring record for the national team.

Osimhen, who began the game with 29 international goals, struck twice against Benin to move his tally to 31 goals for the Super Eagles.

The 26-year-old is now just six goals shy of Yekini’s all-time record of 37 goals, which has stood for over two decades.

Rashidi Yekini – 37 goals

Victor Osimhen – 31 goals

Segun Odegbami – 23 goals

Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 21 goals

Ikechukwu Uche – 19 goals

Obafemi Martins – 18 goals

Sunday Oyarekua – 17 goals

Samson Siasia, Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa – 16 goals

Osimhen's scoring streak has increased the belief that he could surpass Yekini's milestone before the 2026 World Cup.

Since making his senior debut in 2017, the former Napoli forward has developed into one of Africa’s most prolific strikers, with his name now recorded firmly among Nigeria’s football greats.