Behold Nigeria’s top 10 all-time scorers
By Tosin Omojola
Victor Osimhen netted his 23rd goal for the Super Eagles in the AFCON qualification match against Benin Republic on Thursday, November 14. This remarkable feat places him alongside the legendary Segun Odegbami as Nigeria’s joint second-all-time top scorer.
Throughout its illustrious football history, Nigeria has been home to several iconic players. Below is the list of the Super Eagles’ top 10 all-time goal scorers:
- Ahmed Musa (16 goals)
Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped player with 107 appearances since his 2010 debut against Madagascar, has scored 16 goals. Among his most memorable moments were the two stunning goals he netted against Argentina during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- Odion Ighalo (16 goals)
Former Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo also boasts 16 goals. Representing the Super Eagles from 2015 to 2022, Ighalo was a fan favorite due to his clinical finishing and energetic performances.
- Samson Siasia (16 goals)
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest coaches, Samson Siasia also had an exceptional playing career. Between 1984 and 1999, he scored 16 goals, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s bronze medal finish in the 1992 AFCON and their historic victory in 1994.
- Sunday Oyarekhua (17 goals)
Sunday Oyarekhua scored 17 goals in 28 appearances between 1976 and 1981. He was Nigeria’s standout performer in the 1973 All-Africa Games, finishing as the top scorer for the tournament-winning squad.
- Obafemi Martins (18 goals)
Known as “Obagoal,” Obafemi Martins scored 18 goals in 48 appearances. Renowned for his blistering speed, raw power, and acrobatic goal celebrations, the former Inter Milan forward remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated strikers.
- Ikechukwu Uche (19 goals)
Ikechukwu Uche scored 19 goals in 46 matches, playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s victorious 2013 AFCON campaign. His knack for scoring and his signature celebratory flips made him a fan favorite.
- Yakubu Aiyegbeni (21 goals)
Despite being remembered for a missed opportunity in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s 21 goals in 57 matches speak volumes of his prowess. His strength and sharp eye for goal established him as a reliable forward for the Super Eagles.
- Victor Osimhen (23 goals)
With 23 goals in 36 appearances, Victor Osimhen continues to make history. The Napoli star, known for his determination and tenacity, is leading Nigeria’s new footballing generation. Having secured qualification for AFCON 2025, Osimhen now aims to win his first senior trophy with the national team.
- Segun Odegbami (23 goals)
Nicknamed “Mathematical,” Segun Odegbami was known for his precision and technical skill. Between 1976 and 1982, he scored 23 goals in 46 appearances, cementing his legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest football legends.
- Rashidi Yekini (37 goals)
Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, scored 37 goals in 62 matches. His iconic celebration—crying and clutching the net—after scoring Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal in 1994 remains an enduring symbol of his legacy as a national hero.
