Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has etched his name further into the history books after surpassing the legendary Segun Odegbami on Nigeria’s all-time goal-scoring chart.

Osimhen netted his 24th international goal during Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda on Friday.

The Galatasaray forward found the back of the net in style, converting a well-delivered free kick from Ademola Lookman with a clinical finish at the far post to give Nigeria the lead.

READ ALSO: WCQ: Osimhen, Others Arrive Super Eagles Camp Ahead Of Rwanda Clash

The goal not only secured a crucial advantage for the Super Eagles but also saw Osimhen climb to second place on Nigeria’s top scorer list, edging past Odegbami, who had held the record for decades.

With this milestone, the 26-year-old now sets his sights on breaking the long-standing record of Nigeria’s greatest-ever goal poacher, the late Rashidi Yekini, who remains the country’s all-time top scorer with 37 goals.

Osimhen, playing in his first match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, reached the 24-goal mark in just 39 appearances for the Super Eagles.

His record-equalling moment had come last November when he scored in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Beyond his international exploits, Osimhen has been in red-hot form at club level this season.

The prolific forward has bagged 20 goals and provided four assists in 20 Super Lig appearances for Galatasaray, who are leading the Turkish league.

Across all competitions, he boasts an impressive tally of 26 goals and five assists in 30 matches.

The Group Managing Director of GTI, Abubakar Lawal, has reiterated the desire of his company to ensure the total restructuring and repositioning of Nigerian football to match what is seen in other climes, where the game if professionally managed.

Lawal spoke after being honoured with an award at the just concluded Newstap/SWAN 5-Star Award ceremony in Lagos.

He maintained that the recognition given to him by the organisers of the event will spur him and GTI to do more for the benefit of the sports ecosystem.

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In his words, “I’m delighted that the umbrella body of sports journalists in this country, SWAN and a leading online media platform, Newstap recognized our huge investment towards reviving the Nigeria Premier Football League and the President Federation Cup. For us in GTI, this award is too dear to us and that was why I came here with my lovely wife and the GTI team to witness this auspicious occasion.

“This award will spur us to do more for the country’s elite league and our President Federation Cup because GTI is keen in uplifting Nigerian football.

“Today, is a historic day in GTI Group and I thank all who made this event possible as we have just witnessed a fantastic event that is full of glamour.”

Lawal used the opportunity to thank the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko for his efforts at reviving sports since he took office and also believing in the vision of GTI at restructuring the beautiful game in Nigeria.

“I want to thank the NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi for their support which culminated in the emergence of GTI into our sports ecosystem. I also thank the media for believing in our dream of providing a lasting solution to the problems confronting our elite league and President Federation Cup.

“Our project on the NPFL is in three phases and I want to use this opportunity to state that as strategic partners to the NPFL, GTI has successfully completed our first phase of intervention in the elite league. Today, NPFL is visible globally and enjoys improved organisation cum management.

“We are now into the second phase in which we will see our clubs being managed more professionally with improved welfare for the players. This will help stem the mass exodus of our quality players to many obscure leagues in the world.

“Finally, I want to say kudos to other awardees tonight and Hon. Kunle Soname for setting the benchmark for other NPFL clubs to emulate when it comes to club management. For us at GTI, the best is yet to come,” he concluded.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have begun preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, with key players already arriving at the team’s camp.

Super striker Victor Osimhen, along with Bruno Onyemaechi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, were the first to join the squad.

A video shared on the team’s social media handles showed the quartet arriving at Kigali International Airport in the Rwandan capital, where they were received by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and other team officials.

READ ALSO: WCQ: Chelle Unveils Super Eagles’ 23-Man Squad (Full List)

The early arrivals mark the beginning of what is expected to be an intense buildup to Friday’s clash, as Nigeria seeks to revive their World Cup qualification hopes.

Osimhen, who has been in superb form this season, is expected to lead the attack as the Super Eagles aim for their first win in the qualifiers.

Currently, Nigeria sits in fourth place in Group C with just three points from four matches, having yet to secure a victory.

They trail group leaders Rwanda by four points, putting them in danger of missing out on back-to-back World Cup tournaments after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Chelle, who will be taking charge of his first match as Super Eagles head coach, has called up 23 players for the upcoming qualifiers.

Following the Rwanda game, Nigeria will host Zimbabwe next Tuesday in another must-win encounter.

More players are expected to arrive at camp in the coming days as the Super Eagles prepare for what could be a defining moment in their World Cup qualification journey.