Nigeria’s Super Eagles have always been celebrated for their attacking brilliance, but no role captures the imagination quite like the iconic Number 9. From explosive finishers to modern pressing machines, the centre-forward position has evolved — yet remains central to Nigeria’s AFCON story in the 21st century.

Interestingly, despite Nigeria scoring 91 AFCON goals since 2000, recognised strikers account for just over 35 percent of that tally. In fact, during the 2004 edition, no traditional striker even found the net — with midfield maestro Austin Okocha finishing as joint top scorer.

Here’s a re-ranked look at the top Super Eagles Number 9s in AFCON tournaments since 2000.

7. Victor Ikpeba – The Transitional Leader
Though his prime years came before the millennium, Ikpeba remained influential during Nigeria’s run to the AFCON 2000 final.

Operating more as a support striker than a traditional No. 9, he scored twice in a thrilling 4-2 group-stage win over Tunisia.

By then, he was already an established African great — a former African Footballer of the Year and AFCON champion.

Ikpeba contributed roughly 16 percent of Nigeria’s goals in 2000, symbolising a transitional era where Nigeria’s attack was fluid and shared.

6. Obafemi Martins – The Explosive Catalyst

Nicknamed “Oba Goal,” Martins brought raw pace and unpredictability to Nigeria’s AFCON campaigns.

He scored three AFCON goals across 2006 and 2010, including a devastating brace against Senegal in Egypt 2006. All his goals came in group stages, yet his impact stretched beyond numbers.

At club level, Martins rose to prominence with Inter Milan and later starred in England and the MLS. Injuries sometimes disrupted his international rhythm, but his explosiveness was undeniable.

5. Julius Aghahowa – The Acrobatic Showman

Few strikers ignited nostalgia like Aghahowa.

Across AFCON 2000 and 2002, he scored six goals — three in each edition — earning the Golden Boot in 2002 after netting 60 percent of Nigeria’s goals.

Three of his goals came against Senegal, and his flips after scoring became iconic.

His explosive pace and fearless finishing made him one of Nigeria’s most exciting early-2000s forwards.

4. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – The Penalty-Box Specialist

Yakubu represented consistency and efficiency.

He scored four AFCON goals across three editions (2002–2010). His standout tournament came in 2008, where he scored two of Nigeria’s three goals — a massive 66 percent contribution.

Internationally, he finished with 21 goals in 58 appearances, while enjoying strong club spells at Portsmouth, Everton, and Blackburn. Often under-celebrated, Yakubu was a reliable presence in big tournaments.

3. Emmanuel Emenike – The Champion’s Spearhead

When Nigeria lifted AFCON 2013, Emenike was central to that triumph.

He scored four goals — 36 percent of Nigeria’s total — including decisive strikes against Burkina Faso, Zambia, and Côte d’Ivoire.

His blend of power, pace, and long-range shooting made him the focal point of Stephen Keshi’s attacking structure.

Though he only scored in one edition, his impact was title-defining.

2. Odion Ighalo – The Golden Boot Revivalist

AFCON 2019 belonged to Ighalo.

He scored five goals, contributing 55 percent of Nigeria’s nine goals and winning the Golden Boot. His brace against Cameroon in the Round of 16 and winner against Burundi remain tournament highlights.

Like Emenike, he shone brightly in a single edition — but what a performance it was.

1. Victor Osimhen – The Modern Machine
Victor Osimhen represents the evolution of Nigeria’s Number 9.

At AFCON 2023, he scored once as Nigeria reached the final. In 2025, he netted three goals, including a brace against Mozambique. But Osimhen’s value extends beyond goals — his pressing, aerial dominance, relentless work rate, and defensive occupation create space for teammates.

At club level, he won the Serie A Golden Boot and ended Napoli’s 33-year title drought before earning African Footballer of the Year honours in 2023 — the first Nigerian winner since 1999.

In an era rich with attacking options, Osimhen stands as the undisputed spearhead of Nigeria’s modern attack — chasing Rasheed Yekini’s all-time record and carrying the hopes of a new generation.

Final Word

From Ikpeba’s intelligence to Aghahowa’s acrobatics, from Emenike’s power to Ighalo’s revival, and now Osimhen’s all-round dominance — the Super Eagles’ Number 9 shirt has carried different identities across AFCON tournaments.

Yet one truth remains: Nigeria may not always be striker-dependent, but when the Number 9 rises, the nation believes.