By Ayeni Omotayo Adewale | Fact Frontier.
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In a remarkable breakthrough for Nigerian football, Victor Osimhen has etched his name into the global record books by becoming the first Nigerian to be named among the world’s most prolific international goalscorers of the decade (2021–2030) by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).
The IFFHS, an established body that tracks football statistics and history worldwide, recently released its “Top Scorers of National Teams – 3rd Decade of the 21st Century” rankings. Osimhen, who captains the Nigerian national team and stars for Turkish giants Galatasaray, was included in the elite list of international scorers — placing him alongside global superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
Osimhen’s inclusion — currently ranked joint 14th with 27 international goals scored since 2021 — signifies a significant achievement not just for the player, but for Nigerian and African football on the global stage. His consistent goal production for the Super Eagles over the past five years has placed him firmly among the elite finishers in world football.
A Trailblazing Nigerian in the Global Rankings
While Nigerian football has a proud history of producing top goalscorers — including legends like Rashidi Yekini, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Segun Odegbami and Obafemi Martins — none had previously featured in such a global decade-based scoring list compiled by IFFHS. This decade ranking, which factors only goals scored for national teams between 2021 and 2030, is a relatively new and rigorous statistical benchmark that only recognises modern era achievements in international football.
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Osimhen’s remarkable consistency is underscored by his yearly contributions: he scored five goals each in 2021, 2022 and 2023; three in 2024; and then surged in 2025 with eight to nine goals — including an impressive four strikes at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where Nigeria finished third.
These performances helped elevate Osimhen to a tally of 27 goals since 2021, a figure that sits him level with Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrović on the list — a remarkable feat given the depth of striking talent represented in the decade’s rankings.
Beyond the Decade List: A Stellar Career in Goal Scoring
Osimhen’s journey to this milestone reflects his broader career trajectory — one marked by prolific scoring at both club and international level. According to official records, he has scored over 200 career goals for club and country, reflecting a remarkable conversion rate across multiple leagues and competitions.
At the national team level, Osimhen has scored 35 goals in 51 appearances for Nigeria, making him the country’s second-highest all-time goalscorer, only behind the legendary Rashidi Yekini — who scored 37.
This achievement highlights Osimhen’s status as one of Nigeria’s greatest forwards in modern football. His scoring exploits helped Nigeria secure crucial results in qualifiers and major tournaments, and his leadership is increasingly shaping the Super Eagles’ tactical identity.
Global and Continental Recognition
The IFFHS decade ranking is only one example of the global recognition Osimhen has earned. His rise to international prominence has seen him achieve numerous accolades, including finishing 8th in the 2023 Ballon d’Or — becoming the first Nigerian to reach the top ten of this prestigious award.
Osimhen has also broken records in European club football, becoming the first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot, leading Napoli to their first Italian league title in decades. His striking prowess earned him both peer and critical acclaim, reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s most exciting forwards of his generation.
Impact on Nigerian Football
Osimhen’s inclusion among the world’s most prolific international goalscorers of the decade is a landmark moment for Nigerian football. It elevates the visibility of African talent in global metrics and inspires a new generation of players to compete at the highest international standards.
For many Nigerian fans, this recognition is a source of national pride — a testament to the growth of Nigerian football and the global relevance of its top talents. As Osimhen continues his career, expectations remain high that he will not only surpass domestic scoring records but also leave an indelible mark on global football history.
