Osimhen Matches Odegbami’s Eagles Record

Victor Osimhen equaled Segun Odegbami’s long-standing scoring record for Nigeria, netting his 23rd goal for the Super Eagles in a 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic during Thursday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group D clash at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The Napoli loanee, currently shining on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray, scored in the 81st minute, rising above defenders to head the ball home. This marked his 23rd goal in just 38 appearances since his national team debut in 2017.

Osimhen’s achievement ties him with Odegbami, who scored 23 goals in 47 appearances for Nigeria between 1976 and 1981.

Nicknamed “Mathematical,” Segun Odegbami was renowned for his exceptional ball control, speed, and pinpoint crosses from the right wing.

He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victorious 1980 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, notably scoring in the final against Algeria in Lagos as the Super Eagles lifted the trophy on home soil.

Victor Osimhen, by contrast, has risen to prominence after representing Nigeria at the U-17 and U-23 levels before joining the senior national team. He made his Super Eagles debut on June 10, 2017, in a 2–0 loss to South Africa.

Osimhen scored his first senior goal during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone and later showcased his scoring prowess by netting three goals in Nigeria’s record-breaking 10–0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe—his first international hat-trick.

The prolific striker repeated the feat with another hat-trick in the reverse fixture on September 10, 2023, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where Nigeria triumphed 6–0 against São Tomé and Príncipe.

Osimhen concluded the 2023 AFCON qualifiers as the top scorer with 10 goals, underlining his critical role in Nigeria’s attack.