AFCON 2025 qualifiers: Napoli-owned striker Victor Osimhen eyes new record in Nigeria’s clash with Benin

Napoli-owned forward Victor Osimhen is on the brink of making history as the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to face the Republic of Benin in a decisive 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fresh from a stellar performance so far this season, Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, aims to secure his place in Super Eagles history with a new goal-scoring record.

Currently, the Ex-Wolfsburg forward has 22 goals in Nigerian colours, and one more will tie him with former Shooting Stars legend Segun Odegbami, while a brace would see him surpass the icon.

Odegbami, who played for the Nigerian Eagles between 1976 and 1981, scored 23 goals in 47 appearances. Osimhen, since his debut in 2017 during Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Togo, has tallied 22 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances.

The striker’s goal tally includes 16 in AFCON qualifiers, four in World Cup qualifiers, one in the AFCON tournament itself, and one in an international friendly.

As the former LOSC Lille forward steps into his 38th cap, Osimhen will be aiming to break Odegbami’s record under the guidance of head coach Augustine Eguavoen.

The match is set to kick off at 20:00 Nigerian time at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, where Nigeria previously enjoyed victories over Guinea-Bissau, Angola, and Cameroon in AFCON 2023 qualifiers.