Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Ayegbeni has taken time to reflect on his “unbelievable” Premier League goal-scoring record, Footynaija.com reports.
Yakubu, widely regarded as one of the best striking talents to come out of Nigeria, enjoyed a fine Premier League career playing for clubs Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers.
He bagged a total of 95 goals across spells at the aforementioned clubs to rank as Nigeria’s highest goalscorer in the Premier League. The former Nigeria international also places fifth on the PL’s African all-time top scorers chart.
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Yakubu reflects on his PL achievements
“It’s massive when you mention these names – Adebayor, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Didier,” Yakubu told Sky Sports in a recent interview.
“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.”
While Yakubu maintained pride in his achievement, the former Super Eagles striker couldn’t hide his disappointment at not making it into the Premier League’s 100 goals club.
“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’s goal-scoring prowess also extended to the Nigeria national team where he bagged 21 goals in 57 appearances and currently places fourth on the Super Eagles’ all-time top scorers chart.
