Victor Osimhen has explained how he believes he can surpass the achievement of the late Rashidi Yekini in the Super Eagles but admits it wouldn’t easy, Completesports.com reports.
Yekini holds the record for the most number of goals scored in the Super Eagles.
The 1993 African Player of the Year, netted 37 times in 58 appearances after making his debut in 1984.
Osimhen who got his first Super Eagles cap in 2017, has scored four goals in nine appearances.
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But the Napoli striker has given reasons why he feels he can surpass the feat of the late Nigerian football legend.
“For me to fill in the shoes of the legend, Rashidi Yekini, it’s kind of heavy for me,” Osimhen said in a virtual press conference9 on Thursday. “But I think I’m on the right path towards this direction.
“If I’m injury free I think I can achieve this feat but it will never be easy and with the confidence the coach has in me the, support from the fans it is achievable. But for now I just want to keep on helping the team, keep on doing well with my club.
“I’m really looking forward to achieving this feat and like I said, it’s not going to be easy. Compared to what he has done for the national team, he has made a name for himself all over the world and for me it’s a huge step and by the special grace of God I will achieve the feat and surpass it.”
Osimhen expressed his delight returning to the Eagles after missing last month’s international friendly games against Algeria and Tunisia.
“I’m really happy to be back and we have a quality team and like I said before, the game won’t be easy so we have to prepare well and which we have been doing for the past days. And of course tomorrow we expect nothing but victory but it won’t be easy.”
He stated that he is not competing with ant striker in the Eagles stressing that what is most important is the victory against Sierra Leone.
“There is no competition between me and the likes of Iheanacho, Onuachu and Dennis. Whoever the coach call upon will surely give his best.
“Of course I’m also ready to help the team which is important. The most important thing is the victory tomorrow and to play well and satisfy the fans which is really important.”
The former Lille star has scored just two goals in the Serie A since his transfer.
But he said he is not under any form of pressure and his satisfied with his performance so far.
He said:”No, there’s no pressure at all. I think for me it’s to continue to improve with the team.
“I just joined the team about four months ago and I’ve been doing quite well and I believe I can improve and I’m working hard towards that direction.”
And on his red card in the Europa League clash between Napoli and Real Sociedad:”As a young player you get carried away by so many things and sometimes the game just get into your head and you want to do well.
“The red card I got against Sociedad was actually my fault. I was warned when I got the first yellow card but obviously the second yellow card wasn’t intentional. But I have watched the video and I’ve learnt from it and I will continue to improve myself.”
By Adeboye Amosu, in Benin City
1 Comment
Bro focus on your game now….you’re most likely gonn surpass that Yekini record but I dont think you should focus on that right now. Just keep pushing yourself and work hard, the talent and hunger is there