AFCON: Victor Osimhen plays down Yekini comparisons

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has played down comparisons with the late Rashidi Yekini, insisting his priority is to help Nigeria win matches rather than chase individual records.

Osimhen, who captained Nigeria to a 3–1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday, dismissed suggestions that he is focused on overtaking Yekini’s 37-goal record.

“To be honest, I never go to bed thinking about trying to equal or surpass the record,” the Galatasaray forward said.

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Osimhen explained that his focus remains on contributing to the team through goals, assists and overall effort, rather than personal milestones.

According to him, any individual records will come naturally, but not at the expense of team objectives or his enjoyment of the game.

Osimhen currently has 32 goals for Nigeria, five short of Yekini’s long-standing record, and has scored once in three matches at the ongoing tournament.

Despite failing to get on the scoresheet against Uganda, Osimhen led by example as goals from Paul Onuachu and a brace by Raphael Onyedika secured the win.

Nigeria finished top of Group C with a perfect record of nine points from three matches, advancing confidently to the Round of 16.

Osimhen stressed that leadership, teamwork and winning trophies matter more to him than personal glory at this stage of his career, adding that his attention is firmly on guiding the Super Eagles to a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.