Victor Osimhen Lists His Three Most Influential Nigerian Strikers Ahead Of Morocco Clash

Super Eagles assistant captain Victor Osimhen has opened up on the Nigerian greats who continue to shape his journey in the national colours, even as he closes in on a historic goalscoring milestone.

Victor Osimhen, who now plays his club football with Galatasaray, is just two goals shy of matching the long-standing Nigeria record of 37 goals set by the late Rashidi Yekini.

Despite admitting he never watched Yekini play, Osimhen says the legacy left behind by the former Super Eagles marksman remains a powerful source of motivation.

“Although I didn’t watch Rashidi Yekini in blessed memory played. But he’s done something that has inspired a lot of people, which inspires me,” Osimhen said via CBS Sports Golazo.

He went on to name two more former Nigeria strikers who have influenced his mindset and approach for the national team.

“Also, like Odion Ighalo, whom I draw a lot of inspiration from, as well as Obafemi Martins. So for me, it would be up there on the verge of trying to break Yekini’s record,” he said.

“It’s something I will never forget in my life. It’s something I will hold on higher esteem, it’s an honour for me.”

While the personal landmarks continue to mount, Osimhen’s former teammate, William Troost-Ekong, insisted the focus of the 27-year-old striker remains firmly on silverware.

“All of us would love to be etched into history,” Troost-Ekong said.

“Yekini is so legendary. I’m looking forward to seeing Victor surpass that, but I think it also sums up how he is as a person to make sure that he hit the respect he’s kept for Yekini.

“So yes, I think he’s got many more goals to come and I think he’ll probably be the next one to chase for the next generation.”

Osimhen’s growing stature has not gone unnoticed beyond the dressing room. Nigerian football journalist Oluwashina Okeleji has described him as the new face of Nigerian football, pointing to the influence he commands within the squad.

“He has been earmarked for that success since he was playing in the under-17s,” Okeleji said.

“Within the squad now, he’s regarded as undoubtedly the biggest star and people look up to him. That’s why when he’s not there, Nigeria seems to crumble.

“He may not wear the armband, but they see him as a leader everything goes through him.”

Meanwhile, Wednesday’s semi-final clash against the Atlas Lions of Morocco is also set to mark a significant night for Alex Iwobi. The midfielder will earn his 97th cap for the Super Eagles, moving him within touching distance of becoming the third most capped player in Nigeria’s history.

Another three appearances would see the Fulham star join an elite list led by Ahmed Musa on 111 caps, with Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo tied on 101.

Iwobi, who made his Super Eagles debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly in Belgium on 8 October 2015, has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers in Morocco.