By Amaechi Agbo

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen on Monday ‘refused’ to equal international goal chart with captain Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo, bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

Both players are on 16 international goals for the Eagles and Osimhen on Monday had the opportunity to go level with the duo but instead, in his humble manner, decided to hand a last minute penalty to fellow striker, Dennis Emmanuel.

The Napoli of Italy striker who scored a haul in the match with his last goal being an 84th minute strike, got the chance to score a glut in the hot afternoon when Nigeria was awarded a penalty in two minutes of the added time.

The former Lille of France hitman, who is saddled with the responsibility for spot kicks, instead, handed the ball to Dennis Emmanuel who converted from the 12 yard for his first international goal for the Eagles.

Super Eagles Coach, Jose Peseiro confirmed in his post match reactions that Osimhen is the anchorman in spot kick for the team adding that he’s a “guy with big a heart”

“I appointed Victor Osimhen as our designated Penalty taker and yesterday, he gave Dennis the opportunity to score his first International goal from the spot.”

“He’s a good guy with a big heart and I appreciate it.” – Peseiro said.

In the international goal ranking for Super Eagles, Victor Osimhen ‘s haul on Monday have put him in the top 10 international goal chart for his country. The 23 years old who made his senior debut in 2017 have netted 15 times in just 23 caps to be placed 10th.

On 9th and 8th positions with 16 goals are Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo, respectively. 7th and 6th positions with 17 goals apiece are occupied by Samson Siasia and Sunday Oyarekuah.

Obafemi Martins, formerly known as ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ is 5th with 18 goals from 42 caps while Ikechukwu Uche’s 19 goals placed him 4th on the chart in 46 appearances

Yakubu Aiyegbeni who made 58 appearances from 2000 to 2012, is 3rd with 21 goals, he is one goal below second-placed Segun Odegbami with 22 goals who had a record of 47 caps in an International career that lasted from 1976 to 1981

On top of the ladder in a career that spanned from 1983 to 1998 with 62 caps is legendary Rashid Yekini (late) with 37 goals.

Football followers believe that a country with large football base and followership as well as stars produced, 37 goals as the highest international goal record for the country is not a true reflection of Nigeria’s football pedigree.

However, it is hoped that with just 23 years, with 23 caps and 15 goals already in his boot, Victor Osimhen, would, if he remains humble and consistent, create a new record for the three-time Africa Champions