The Digest:
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been recognised among the most prolific international goalscorers of the current decade by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS). The 27-year-old sits joint 14th on the "Top Scorers of National Teams – 3rd Decade of the 21st Century (2021–2030)" rankings with 27 goals, tied with Serbia's Aleksandar Mitrović. Osimhen's name appears alongside football icons Erling Haaland (49), Harry Kane (46), Lionel Messi (44), and Cristiano Ronaldo (41). His most productive year was 2025 with nine goals, including four at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Overall, Osimhen has scored 35 goals in 51 appearances for Nigeria, now just two goals behind all-time record holder Rashidi Yekini.
Key Points:
- The recognition places Osimhen among football's global elite, elevating Nigeria's international football profile.
- It underscores his transformation from promising talent to world-class striker delivering consistently at the highest level.
- Osimhen's personal stock rises, while Nigerian football enjoys reflected prestige from his individual accolades.
- With Yekini's long-standing record now within reach, a historic milestone awaits in the coming fixtures.
- The timing, ahead of World Cup qualifiers, adds motivational fuel for Nigeria's vice-captain and talisman.
Sources: IFFHS, Pulse Sports
