Victor Osimhen and Rashidi Yakini are known names in Nigerian football. The Nigerian star, who has been in the media buzz for over three weeks and failed in the transfer window, played for his countryside yesterday, 07/09/2024, for the 2025 AFCON qualification against the Republic of Benin.
Osimhen started from the bench and was only allowed to play after 70 minutes when he came in to replace Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen.
The game was played in Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. When Victor stepped onto the pitch, thunderous applause rang out from the home fans.
His loan move to the Turkish league Galatasaray sparked controversy among his fans and football analysts. Some blamed Victor for insistence on his terms, while others claimed he was right.
Some believe his club, Napoli, treated him unjustly after so much he did for the club. Victor helped the club win the 2022/2023 Serie A, topping the table for the highest scorer. He scored 26 goals in 32 appearances for the season.
With all this, Victor was determined to prove his worth yesterday, even though he had about 20 minutes to play. He scored at 78 minutes, which is 8 minutes in his play!! He went wide with jubilation and yanked off his face protective mask as he ran towards the home fans. I felt it myself from my screen!!
His goal made it a two-goal lead, as Ademola Lookman had earlier scored at 45+2 minutes. Lookman sealed the game with his 83-minute goal, ending the game with a 3-0 finish!!
Osimhen and Rashidi Yakini in Nigeria Football
Historically, the only Nigerian Footballer with more international goals for Nigeria is Rashidi Yakini, of blessed memory(23 October 1963 – 4 May 2012). Rashidi scored 37 international goals.
Osmihen is 15 goals away from Rashidi’s scorecard, with 22 goals in his pocket. He still has lots of opportunities to equal or surpass the 37-goal target.
It is worth mentioning that Segun Odegbami also scored 22 international goals.
Some facts about Nigeria vs Benin 2025 AFCON Qualification game 07/09/2024 played in Nigeria.
It is the first game for the 2025 AFCON qualification.
Ademola Lookman (2024 Ballon d’Or nominee) was the MOTM.
Some see it as revenge for Nigeria because Benin shattered Nigeria’s campaign for the 2026 World Cup qualification with a 2-1 win over Nigeria.
It was a meeting of former Supper Eagle coach Gernot Rohr (2016-2021), who now coaches the Cheetahs of Benin.
This is the 4th time Augustine Eguavoen is taking charge as caretaker coach of the Super Eagles.
Well, time will only tell whether Victor beats Rashidi. But I wish him more goals and a happy stay at Instabul!!
