In the illustrious history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Super Eagles of Nigeria have produced some of the most prolific and memorable goal-scorers on the continental stage.
As we delve into the realm of Nigerian football excellence, this compilation unveils the top goal-getters who have left an indelible mark in the AFCON tournament.
From iconic moments to goal-scoring prowess, join us in celebrating the Super Eagles players who have etched their names in the annals of AFCON history with their remarkable contributions to the beautiful game.
This is a journey through the listed Super Eagles players with the most AFCON goals, a testament to the rich legacy and goal-scoring prowess of Nigeria's footballing elite.
Super Eagles players and AFCON goal-scoring glory
Rashidi Yekini – 13 Goals
Fittingly, Nigeria's all-time highest goalscorer, Rashidi Yekini, also claims the title of the top scorer in AFCON history for the Super Eagles.
Out of his remarkable 37 goals for the national team, Yekini netted an impressive 13 goals across four Nations Cup tournaments.
His crowning moment came in Tunisia '94, where he scored five goals, securing both the highest goalscorer accolade and helping Nigeria emerge as AFCON champions.
Austin Jay-Jay Okocha – 7 Goals
Renowned for his mesmerizing skills and midfield wizardry, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha left an indelible mark on AFCON history.
Although he was part of the triumphant Tunisia '94 squad, Okocha's AFCON goal-scoring journey began in Ghana/Nigeria 2000.
His seven goals and stellar performances earned him the Most Valuable Player title at Tunisia 2004, showcasing his enduring impact on the continental stage.
Segun Odegbami – 6 Goals
In the historic 11th edition of AFCON hosted by Ghana in 1978, Segun Odegbami, primarily deployed as a winger, showcased his goal-scoring prowess.
His three crucial goals played a key role in securing Nigeria's bronze medal.
Two years later, Odegbami repeated this feat, contributing three more goals that sealed Nigeria's first-ever AFCON triumph, earning him a deserving spot on this exclusive list.
Julius Aghahowa – 6 Goals
The young and dynamic forward Julius Aghahowa left an indelible mark on AFCON 2000 hosted by Ghana and Nigeria.
Despite the presence of seasoned strikers in the squad, Aghahowa's spectacular three-goal performance, including a late brace against Senegal in the quarterfinals, captured the imagination of fans.
His six goals in the tournament earned him a share of the goal-king award and secured his place in the Team of the Tournament.
Table of Super Eagles players with most AFCON goals
| # | Player | Current Club | Appearances | Goals | Goals per Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rashidi Yekini | — | 24 | 13 | 0.54 |
| 2 | Jay-Jay Okocha | Retired | 22 | 7 | 0.32 |
| 3 | Segun Odegbami | Retired | 10 | 6 | 0.60 |
| 4 | Julius Aghahowa | Retired | 15 | 6 | 0.40 |
| 5 | Odion Ighalo | Al-Wehda FC | 7 | 5 | 0.71 |
| 6 | Peter Odemwingie | Retired | 16 | 5 | 0.31 |
| 7 | Muda Lawal | — | 22 | 5 | 0.23 |
| 8 | Emmanuel Emenike | Retired | 5 | 4 | 0.80 |
| 9 | Baba Otu Mohammed | Retired | 9 | 4 | 0.44 |
| 10 | Yakubu Aiyegbeni | Retired | 13 | 4 | 0.31 |
| 11 | Stephen Keshi | — | 16 | 4 | 0.25 |
| 12 | Obafemi Martins | Retired | 12 | 3 | 0.25 |
| 13 | Garba Lawal | Retired | 18 | 3 | 0.17 |
This article was most recently revised and updated 9 months ago
