{"id":124927,"date":"2026-01-11T20:52:01","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T19:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=124927"},"modified":"2026-01-11T20:52:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T19:52:01","slug":"osimhen-closes-in-on-yekinis-record-after-algeria-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/osimhen-closes-in-on-yekinis-record-after-algeria-win\/","title":{"rendered":"Osimhen closes in on Yekini\u2019s\u00a0 record after Algeria Win\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Oscar Okhifo<\/div>\n
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Victor Osimhen edged closer to Rashidi Yekini\u2019s all-time Super Eagles goals record after scoring in Nigeria\u2019s victory over Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).<\/div>\n
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The strike took Osimhen\u2019s international tally to 35 goals, leaving the Napoli forward just two goals away from equalling Yekini\u2019s long-standing record of 37 goals for Nigeria, a landmark widely regarded as one of the most enduring achievements in the country\u2019s football history.<\/div>\n
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Speaking after the match, Osimhen described the moment as special but insisted his focus remains on the team\u2019s success.<\/div>\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s always an honour to score for Nigeria, especially at a tournament like AFCON,\u201d he said.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0\u201cRecords are important, but my main focus is helping the team win and making Nigerians proud.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Nigeria\u2019s win over Algeria boosted the Super Eagles campaign at the tournament, with Osimhen\u2019s goal proving decisive.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0The striker praised his teammates for their collective effort.<\/div>\n
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\u201cThis was a very tough game against a strong Algerian side,\u201d he added.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0\u201cEveryone gave their all, and that\u2019s what made the difference.\u201d<\/div>\n
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle,\u00a0 also lauded Osimhen\u2019s consistency and influence in the squad.<\/div>\n
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\u201cVictor has been outstanding for the national team,\u201d the coach said.<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u201cHe brings leadership, hunger and goals. If he breaks the record, it will be well deserved.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Rashidi Yekini remains Nigeria\u2019s most prolific scorer, a status he earned through a distinguished international career that included Nigeria\u2019s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and memorable appearances at the FIFA World Cup.<\/div>\n
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With several matches still to play at AFCON 2025 and more international fixtures ahead, Osimhen is well positioned to close the gap, with the prospect of matching or surpassing Yekini\u2019s record now firmly within reach.<\/div>\n
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