Former Super Eagles forward Yakubu Aiyegbeni has expressed his delight in being Nigeria’s all-time top goalscorer in the English Premier League, calling the accomplishment one of his greatest professional honors.
The 42-year-old Yakubu Aiyegbeni gained notoriety in the English Premier League while playing for Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, and Everton. In his time in the league, he made 252 appearances for the aforementioned clubs and scored 95 goals. He departed the league in 2012 to join Guangzhou City, a Chinese team.
With his total, Aiyegbeni ranks fifth among Africa’s all-time Premier League scorers, behind greats like Didier Drogba, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Emmanuel Adebayor. His constant goal-scoring ability won him cult-hero status wherever he played.
Yakubu told Sky Sports, “When you mention these names like Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, (Emmanuel) Adebayor, and Didier Drogba, it’s massive.” “Scoring goals in one of the top leagues in the world and making that list is incredible.”
Being in the top five on that list and the top-scoring Nigerian striker is a tremendous accomplishment. While breaking records is the goal, it is an honor to be up there and score goals.
After starting his career as a youth in Benin City, the former Maccabi Haifa forward reflected on how injuries prevented him from scoring 100 goals.
“Scoring goals in the Premier League is really tough; you see a lot of players who have trouble doing so because it’s a tough league.” It takes some getting used to,” he said.
Therefore, it’s a privilege and I feel proud of myself. I am quite happy of my 95 Premier League goals; many others scored 100, but I was sidelined for eleven months due to injury.
“I wish I hadn’t been hurt because I could have scored five more goals.” I am not avaricious. Being able to attain that milestone in such a big league makes me delighted, honored even.
“I’m thankful that a boy from Benin scored 95 goals.”
Yakubu’s record as the Premier League’s best scorer for Nigeria appears secure for the time being. Second on the list and with 42 goals to his name, Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho has scored less than half of Yakubu’s total.
