Osimhen has long way to go to reach Yekini’s level, says Amuneke

Victor Osimhen. Photo: AFP

Former Nigerian international, Emmanuel Amuneke, says Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has a long way to go to reach the level of late Super Eagles forward, Rashidi Yekini.

Yekini is Nigeria’s top international scorer with 37 goals with the lanky attacker having held the record for over 20 years.

Osimhen is the joint-third highest scorer in the history of the Super Eagles alongside Yakubu Aiyegbeni with both strikers having netted 21 goals.

Amuneke in a chat with United Kingdom-based reporter, Osasu Obayiuwana, insisted that Osimhen still has a lot to do to reach the heights attained by Yekini.

“Rashidi Yekini’s name is a heavy name. Yekini is Yekini. I don’t think anybody can look like Yekini,” Amuneke said.

“But I can tell you, Osasu, that Yekini, may his soul rest in peace, will be happy that someone like him, in terms of hunger and attitude, is making Nigerians proud.

“But Osimhen has a long way to go. Let him just be calm, let him be focused, let him continue to do his part.”

Obayiuwana added that Osimhen himself admitted Yekini is the most influential and the biggest striker that the Super Eagles has ever had.

Osimhen further told Obayiuwana that Yekini inspired a lot of Nigerian footballers that have come through the ranks.

“He inspired us to be the goal machine that he has been,” the reigning African Footballer of the year said.

“Yekini is the pacesetter and what he has done for the Super Eagles is unimaginable. I hope that I am able to reach there.”

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