Victor Osimhen’s influence on the international stage has been formally recognised after the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) included him among the most prolific national team scorers of the current decade.
The Nigeria forward is joint 14th in the “Top Scorers of National Teams – 3rd Decade of the 21st Century (2021–2030)” rankings, level with Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrović on 27 goals scored since 2021.
Osimhen’s numbers reflect sustained productivity rather than a single standout campaign. He registered five goals in each of 2021, 2022 and 2023, before adding three in 2024.
Osimhen. Photo Credit: Imago
His most explosive year came in 2025, when he scored nine times for the Super Eagles including four goals at the Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria claimed bronze after reaching the semi-finals.
Only some of the game’s most recognisable forwards sit above him in the rankings.
Erling Haaland leads the standings with 49 goals, followed by England captain Harry Kane on 46. Lionel Messi has scored 44 during the period, Cristiano Ronaldo 41, and Kylian Mbappé 39.
Osimhen. Photo Credit: Imago
Osimhen’s inclusion places him in rare company and reinforces his growing reputation as one of Africa’s most decisive forwards.
Beyond the decade-specific rankings, Osimhen’s broader international record continues to gather momentum.
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Since his debut in 2017, he has scored 35 goals in 51 appearances, moving into second place on Nigeria’s all-time scoring chart. In doing so, he has overtaken former greats including Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Segun Odegbami, Obafemi Martins and Ikechukwu Uche.
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Only Rashidi Yekini stands ahead of him and by a margin of just two goals.
