'A boy from Benin' - Former Everton striker Yakubu proud to be Nigeria's top scorer in PL history

Retired Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has spoken with pride about his remarkable achievement as the highest-scoring Nigerian player in Premier League history.

Born in Benin City, Yakubu enjoyed a distinguished career in England’s top flight, representing Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers. 

Over the course of 252 appearances, he found the net 95 times, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable finishers.

Among Nigerian players, Yakubu sits comfortably at the top of the all-time Premier League scoring chart, ahead of Nwankwo Kanu (54 goals), Efan Ekoku (53), Shola Ameobi (43) and Kelechi Iheanacho (42).

His record also places him among the elite group of African forwards to have made a lasting impact in the division, with only Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Adebayor boasting higher goal tallies.

Reflecting on his place among some of the continent's greatest footballers, Yakubu said to Sky Sports: "It's massive when you mention these names - Adebayor, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Didier. 

"To be in that list, it's unbelievable, scoring goals in one of the best leagues in the world, the Premier League.

"To be top five in that league and highest Nigerian, records are meant to be broken, but to be in that list and to score goals, it's an honour.

"The Premier League is so difficult to score goals. You see many players there; they struggle to score goals because it's a hard league. You have to get used to it.

"Being among that set of players is an honour; it makes me feel proud of myself."

When asked if he was proud of his achievements, the former Super Eagles striker did not hesitate to admit how much the record means to him.

"I am very proud of it, scoring 95 goals in the Premier League. I've seen so many players scoring 100 goals in the Premier League.

"I don't have that chance to do that because I was injured. How I wish I didn't get injured for eleven months. 

"It's five goals more to become 100. I'm not greedy, I'm honoured, I'm very pleased with myself.

"It's an honour to play here, a boy from Benin scoring 95 goals in the Premier League. I am very grateful."

Yakubu holds the distinction of being the first player to score a Premier League goal at the Etihad Stadium, netting in the 24th minute of Portsmouth's 1-1 draw with Manchester City in August 2003.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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