Yekini still the best – Victor Osimhen plays down record chase

Osimhen is now just two goals shy of Yekini’s long-standing mark after helping the Super Eagles reach a second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations semi-final with a commanding 2–0 victory over Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday night.

Speaking after collecting the Man of the Match award, Osimhen was asked about his proximity to the milestone but was quick to pay tribute to Yekini. 

"No, not at all because personally for me I've said a couple of times, I think it doesn't matter if I equal the record or I surpass it. The late Mr Rashidi Yekini is the best striker the Super Eagles have ever produced and for me I have the likes of Odion Ighalo that have inspired me also to try to do my best for my team, for the Super Eagles. So, I think for me it doesn't take anything away from Yekini," Osimhen said.

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Osimhen, who made headlines recently for an on-the-field argument with teammate Ademola Lookman – which has since been resolved – added that he’s seen a lot of personal growth at the AFCON. 

"It's amazing to be part of history with the Super Eagles. I'm just trying to do something important for my country and I think with the help of my teammates I'm on that path,” he added.

“I think as a person, as a man, as a player, I think I've evolved a lot because I've always gone back to see the mistakes that I made and try to see how I can improve myself. I think now I'm confident in the way I play."