Nigeria’s rich football heritage is adorned with strikers who have left an indelible mark on both national and international stages.
These prolific goal scorers have been instrumental in the Super Eagles’ successes in tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), FIFA World Cup, and the Olympics.
This article delves into Nigeria’s highest goal scorers in history, highlighting their achievements, playing styles, and invaluable contributions to the national team.
1. Rashidi Yekini – 37 Goals in 62 Matches (1984-1998)
Rashidi Yekini stands as Nigeria’s all-time leading goal scorer, celebrated for his strength, precise positioning, and clinical finishing.
Career Highlights:
Scored Nigeria’s inaugural World Cup goal in 1994 against Bulgaria, celebrated with his iconic net-hugging moment.
Secured the top scorer title in the 1994 AFCON, propelling Nigeria to victory.
Honored as the African Footballer of the Year in 1993.
2. Victor Osimhen – 25 Goals in 39 Matches (2017-Present)
Victor Osimhen, a rising star, has rapidly ascended Nigeria’s goal-scoring ranks, achieving remarkable feats at a young age.
Career Highlights:
Set a record by netting 10 goals in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
Played a pivotal role in Napoli’s 2022-23 Serie A title win, finishing as the league’s top scorer.
Surpassed Segun Odegbami’s goal tally in March 2025 after scoring twice against Rwanda.
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3. Segun Odegbami – 23 Goals in 46 Matches (1976-1982)
Nicknamed “Mathematical” for his precision and intelligence on the field, Segun Odegbami was a technically gifted forward with a keen eye for goal.
Career Highlights:
Clinched the Golden Boot at the 1980 AFCON, leading Nigeria to its first continental triumph.
Instrumental in establishing Nigeria as a football powerhouse in the late 1970s.
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4. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 21 Goals in 58 Matches (2000-2012)
Known as “The Yak,” Yakubu Aiyegbeni was a powerful striker renowned for his composure in front of goal. Despite a notable miss at the 2010 World Cup, his goal-scoring prowess remains commendable.
Career Highlights:
Led as Nigeria’s top scorer during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.
Netted four goals in the 2010 AFCON.
Enjoyed a successful club career in the English Premier League with teams like Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, and Everton.
5. Ikechukwu Uche – 19 Goals in 46 Matches (2007-2014)
Ikechukwu Uche was a quick and skillful forward, known for his pace and goal-scoring instincts.
Career Highlights:
Integral part of Nigeria’s AFCON-winning squad in 2013.
Scored crucial goals in World Cup qualification matches.
6. Obafemi Martins – 18 Goals in 42 Matches (2004-2015)
Nicknamed “Obagoal,” Obafemi Martins was famed for his incredible speed and powerful shots.
Career Highlights:
Secured the Italian Cup with Inter Milan in 2007.
Contributed key goals in multiple World Cup qualification campaigns.
Represented Nigeria in three AFCON tournaments.
7. Sunday Oyarekhua – 17 Goals in 28 Matches (1971-1976)
Despite being lesser-known, Sunday Oyarekhua was one of Nigeria’s standout strikers in the 1970s.
Career Highlights:
Maintained an impressive goal-to-game ratio for Nigeria.
Played a crucial role in Nigeria’s early AFCON tournaments.
8. Ahmed Musa – 16 Goals in 110 Matches (2010-Present)
Nigeria’s most-capped player, Ahmed Musa, is celebrated for his speed, versatility, and leadership on the field.
Career Highlights:
Holds the record as Nigeria’s highest scorer in World Cup history with four goals.
Notably scored a memorable brace against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup.
Led Nigeria to AFCON victory in 2013.
9. Samson Siasia – 16 Goals in 51 Matches (1987-1999)
Samson Siasia was a technically adept forward who later transitioned into coaching.
Career Highlights:
Represented Nigeria in the 1994 World Cup.
Played pivotal roles in multiple AFCON campaigns.
Coached Nigeria’s Olympic team to a silver medal in 2008.
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10. Odion Ighalo – 16 Goals in 37 Matches (2015-2022)
Odion Ighalo was a prolific forward, known for his ability to score in high-pressure situations.
Career Highlights:
Finished as the top scorer in the 2019 AFCON, aiding Nigeria in securing third place.
Scored vital goals in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
11. Daniel Amokachi – 13 Goals in 44 Matches (1990-1999)
Popularly called “The Bull,” Daniel Amokachi was a physically dominant forward known for his aggressive style of play.
Career Highlights:
Helped Nigeria clinch the 1994 AFCON title.
Played a vital role in Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic gold medal victory.
12. Emmanuel Amunike – 10 Goals in 28 Matches (1993-2001)
Emmanuel Amunike was an outstanding winger, renowned for his goal-scoring ability and decisive contributions in major tournaments.
Career Highlights:
Scored the winning goal in the 1994 AFCON final, securing Nigeria’s second continental title.
Played a crucial role in Nigeria’s historic 1996 Olympic gold medal win.
Had a successful club career with Sporting CP and Barcelona.
13. Jay-Jay Okocha – 14 Goals in 73 Matches (1993-2006)
Though not a traditional goal scorer, Jay-Jay Okocha remains one of Nigeria’s most beloved footballers due to his dazzling skills, leadership, and ability to score from long-range shots and set pieces.
Career Highlights:
Scored several spectacular goals, including a stunning free-kick against Cameroon in AFCON 2004.
Led Nigeria to the 2000 AFCON final.
Won the BBC African Footballer of the Year award twice (2003 & 2004).
14. Finidi George – 6 Goals in 62 Matches (1991-2002)
Finidi George was an exceptional right winger, known for his accurate crosses, intelligent movement, and ability to score from wide positions.
Career Highlights:
Key member of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning squad.
Represented Nigeria in two World Cups (1994 & 1998).
Won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995.
15. Tijani Babangida – 5 Goals in 36 Matches (1994-2004)
A rapid winger, Tijani Babangida played a crucial role for Nigeria in the late 1990s, using his blistering pace to torment defenders.
Career Highlights:
Scored against Denmark in the 1998 World Cup Round of 16.
Part of Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic gold-winning team.
Had a successful club career in the Dutch Eredivisie.
While most of the players on this list are strikers, a few exceptional midfielders and wingers have also made their mark by scoring crucial goals for Nigeria.
Their creativity, playmaking abilities, and technical skills contributed significantly to the Super Eagles’ success.
The Legacy of Nigeria’s All-Time Leading Goal Scorers
Nigeria’s football history is filled with legendary goal scorers who have helped shape the nation’s football identity.
From Rashidi Yekini’s historic World Cup goal to Victor Osimhen’s modern-day dominance, these players have left a lasting impact.
Their goals and achievements continue to inspire the next generation of Nigerian footballers, ensuring the country’s legacy in world football remains strong.
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