Aiyegbeni: Scoring 95 Goals In Premier League Was an Honour, Not An Easy Task
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has opened up about his prolific spell in the English Premier League, describing it as one of the toughest environments in world football for strikers.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the former Nigerian international, fondly known as “The Yak,” shared insights into his journey in England’s top flight and reflected on his remarkable goal-scoring record.
Aiyegbeni, who featured in 252 Premier League matches, scored an impressive 95 goals, placing him among the league’s top African marksmen and making him Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League.
His tally puts him ahead of fellow Nigerians Nwankwo Kanu (54 goals), Efan Ekoku (53), Shola Ameobi (43), and Kelechi Iheanacho (42).
“It’s massive when you mention names like Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Adebayor, and Didier Drogba,” Aiyegbeni said. “Being on that list is unbelievable. Scoring goals in one of the world’s best leagues and being among the top five Africans—and the highest-scoring Nigerian—is a huge achievement. Records are meant to be broken, but I’m honoured to be up there.”
The former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, and Everton striker admitted that life as a Premier League forward was far from easy.
“In the Premier League, it’s so difficult to score goals. You see so many players struggle because it’s a tough league—you have to adapt quickly,” he added. “That’s why I’m proud of myself. Scoring 95 goals in such a competitive environment means a lot.”
Aiyegbeni also revealed his regret over an injury that sidelined him for almost a year, denying him the chance to hit the coveted 100-goal mark.
“I was injured for eleven months, and I wish that hadn’t happened because I could have scored at least five more goals,” he said. “I’m not greedy; I’m happy and honoured to have reached that milestone. For a boy from Benin City to score 95 goals in the Premier League—it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”
The 42-year-old remains one of Africa’s most respected forwards and a proud symbol of Nigerian excellence in world football.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
