Victor Osimhen Shuns Rashidi Yekini Comparisons Ahead Of AFCON 2025 Kick-Off

As Nigeria prepares to face Tanzania in their opening match of AFCON 2025 at 6:30 p.m. this evening, Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has downplayed comparisons with Nigerian football legend Rashidi Yekini.

Osimhen is closing in on Yekini’s all-time goal record for Nigeria, sitting just six goals shy of the mark set by the man who scored the Super Eagles’ first-ever World Cup goal.

Despite the tantalising prospect of breaking history, the 2023 CAF Player of the Year insists that surpassing Yekini would not diminish the late striker’s legendary status.

“To be honest, I don’t have this in my head. Even when I started playing for the Super Eagles, I never checked who the highest goalscorer in Nigeria’s history was,” Osimhen told Pooja Media.

“I was just doing my job, trying to help my teammates with goals, assists and everything, but to be up there with the greatest striker the country has ever produced is something to be proud of. It doesn’t matter if I surpass or equal it; he’s the greatest ever, and to be mentioned alongside him is a privilege.

“As always, I’ll help my teammates with goals and assists, and if I equal or surpass the record, then that’s it. However, that doesn’t diminish what Late Rashidi Yekini did for the Super Eagles, and I’m happy to walk in his footsteps.”

Osimhen’s teammate, Cyriel Dessers, has expressed confidence in the forward’s ability to become Nigeria’s greatest-ever footballer, yet the striker himself remains focused on collective success rather than personal milestones.

Following Nigeria’s absence from the recent World Cup, AFCON 2025 represents a chance for redemption on the continental stage. The Galatasaray forward acknowledged the weight of expectation on both himself and the team but emphasised that success will be a shared effort.

“It’s not about Osimhen or me. I know a lot of people believe in me and depend on me, and I appreciate that, but I think we have talents in the squad that can dictate how the game should be, so I’ll just try to help with goals or assists or come into the defence or midfield to help my teammates,” he said.

“Of course, I’ll give everything as I’ve always done since I started wearing the green and white colours of Nigeria. It is paramount to up my game when playing for the Super Eagles, so I’ll give my everything, and I know other quality players that I’m depending on to bring their best as well. We’ll complement each other. I’m positive about the players we have in the camp.”

Nigeria will kick off their AFCON 2025 campaign at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 6:30 PM WAT, as the Super Eagles aim to make a statement in the tournament.