Nigeria’s all-time topscorers in World Cup qualifiers: Is Victor Osimhen ready to step up vs Rwanda?

There is something different in the air whenever Victor Osimhen wears the green and white of Nigeria.

The energy shifts, the stakes feel higher, and expectations soar. When the Super Eagles take on Rwanda in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday, all eyes will be on the Napoli-owned forward, who makes his long-awaited return after missing the first four games of the campaign.

Nigeria’s attack has lacked its usual firepower in Osimhen’s absence.

Four goals in four games tell the story—uninspired, flat, and lacking a focal point. But now, the team’s talisman is back, and the big question is: can he step up and propel Nigeria to a much-needed win in Kigali?

Victor Osimhen: Nigeria’s all-time World Cup qualifier scorers and his place among legends

Despite not playing a minute in the current qualifiers, Osimhen’s record in World Cup qualification is already among Nigeria’s best.

With four goals in eight previous qualifiers, he sits in eighth place on the all-time list, alongside Nigerian greats like Segun Odegbami, Victor Agali, and Daniel Amokachi.

At the top of the charts, Obafemi Martins remains Nigeria’s most prolific scorer in World Cup qualification, netting 10 goals in 12 matches.

Former Portsmouth striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni follows closely with six goals, while a host of other Nigerian legends, including Kanu, Victor Moses, and Kelechi Iheanacho, have five each.

Osimhen is now within touching distance of history. Just one more goal will lift him into the group of players with five, while six more will see him match Martins as Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers.

Given his current form — 20 goals in 22 Turkish Super Lig games for Galatasaray — few would bet against him climbing that list quickly.

But first, there’s the small matter of Rwanda.

Osimhen vs Rwanda: A tough battle awaits

Nigeria’s top scorer is no stranger to difficult battles, and Friday’s clash in Kigali will be another test of his mettle.

Rwanda’s defence will be fully aware of the threat Osimhen poses, and they have already shown they can frustrate him.

In the reverse fixture, Osimhen was kept quiet for most of the game after coming on in the second half.

Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi executed their defensive game plan brilliantly, limiting him to just three chances as Rwanda held Nigeria to a 0-0 draw.

Mutsinzi, in particular, stuck to Osimhen like glue, replicating the disciplined defensive job he did against Sadio Mané in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers. That night, he kept the Senegalese star out for 95 minutes before conceding a last-minute penalty.

This time, Osimhen will start from the beginning, meaning Rwanda will have to deal with his relentless pressing, sharp movement, and deadly finishing for a full 90 minutes. Will Mutsinzi and Manzi be able to withstand that pressure again?

Or will Osimhen’s hunger and ability to create chances out of nothing prove too much for the Amavubi defence?

Can Osimhen lead Nigeria to victory?

Nigeria need a win.

The Super Eagles cannot afford to drop more points in this qualification campaign, and Osimhen’s return could be the spark they desperately need. With his movement, aerial strength, and ability to turn half-chances into goals, he has the tools to break Rwanda’s resistance.

More than just the three points, this is an opportunity for Osimhen to make a statement. He is already Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer in all competitions, but climbing the World Cup qualifier goal charts would further cement his legacy. Friday night in Kigali is the perfect stage for him to take flight.

It’s time for Nigeria’s number nine to step up. The Super Eagles are counting on him.