Over the years, Nigeria has produced a wealth of attacking talent, with legendary forwards like Rashidi Yekini, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Julius Aghahowa, and Daniel Amokachi terrorising defences across Africa and beyond.
But when it comes to delivering on the continent’s biggest stage—the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—which players have proven to be Nigeria’s most prolific scorers?
Read on as Soccernet.ng unveils the seven highest-scoring Super Eagles stars in AFCON history.
Nigeria have won three AFCON titles to date. Do you fancy the Super Eagles to win another? Whoever you are backing, if you are planning to bet on an upcoming event then you should first read our bookies guide to discover the best sites for tournament betting.
1. Rashidi Yekini – 13 Goals
It’s only fitting that Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorer is also the country’s top marksman at the AFCON.
Thirteen of Yekini’s 37 international goals were scored across four Nations Cup tournaments.
He netted once at Morocco ’88 and added three more at Algeria ’90, with Nigeria finishing runners-up in both editions.
At Senegal ’92, Yekini claimed the Golden Boot with four goals as the Eagles clinched third place.
His finest hour came at Tunisia ’94, where he scored five goals, reclaimed the top scorer award, and fired Nigeria to their second continental title.
2. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha – 7 Goals
A member of Nigeria’s title-winning side at Tunisia ’94, Okocha didn’t open his AFCON account until Ghana/Nigeria 2000.
The mercurial playmaker netted twice in the 4-2 win over Tunisia and delivered a thunderbolt in the final against Cameroon, although Nigeria narrowly missed out on the trophy.
His most memorable AFCON came in Tunisia 2004, where he scored four goals, shared the top scorer award, and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
3. Segun Odegbami – 6 Goals
A gifted winger for Shooting Stars, Odegbami made a lasting impression on the AFCON stage.
He scored three goals at Ghana ’78 to help Nigeria clinch bronze.
Two years later at Nigeria ’80, Odegbami repeated the feat—his three goals proving crucial as the Super Eagles lifted their maiden continental crown on home soil.
4. Julius Aghahowa – 6 Goals
Despite the presence of big names like Kanu, Ikpeba, and Akpoborie at Ghana/Nigeria 2000, it was teenage sensation Julius Aghahowa who stole the show.
The Esperance striker scored three times, including a memorable late brace to sink Senegal in the quarter-finals.
At Mali 2002, Aghahowa again impressed, netting another three goals to share the Golden Boot with Patrick Mboma and Salomon Olembé and earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
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5. Odion Ighalo – 5 Goals
Ighalo made his AFCON debut at Egypt 2019 and wasted no time in announcing himself.
He scored five goals to claim the Golden Boot, despite Nigeria settling for bronze.
Though he briefly retired after the tournament, Ighalo returned to the fold ahead of Cameroon 2021, eyeing more goals and a potential fourth continental title for Nigeria.
6. Muda Lawal – 5 Goals
A midfield engine and an AFCON stalwart, Muda Lawal was among Nigeria’s standout performers at Ethiopia ’76, scoring twice as the Green Eagles placed third.
He featured in five consecutive AFCON editions—an African record at the time—and added three more goals to his tally in subsequent tournaments, alongside collecting silver, bronze, and gold medals.
7. Peter Osaze Odemwingie – 5 Goals
After choosing to represent Nigeria, Odemwingie made his AFCON debut at Tunisia 2004, scoring twice in a 4-0 group-stage win over South Africa and once more in the third-place playoff against Mali.
He returned to form at Angola 2010, scoring two more goals as the Super Eagles picked up another bronze medal.
Sadly, he missed the triumphant South Africa 2013 campaign under Stephen Keshi—a title run he would no doubt have loved to be part of.
These seven stars have etched their names into Nigerian football folklore with their exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations, where goals are priceless and legends are born.
