Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has opened up on his time in the Premier League, admitting that while the league is one of the toughest in the world, scoring goals was never the hardest part for him.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, the Nigerian legend reflected on his journey and remarkable record in England’s top flight. Across 252 Premier League appearances, Aiyegbeni netted 95 goals, placing him ahead of other Nigerian greats like Nwankwo Kanu (54), Efan Ekoku (53), Shola Ameobi (43), and Kelechi Iheanacho (42).
The former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn striker described being on the list of top scorers in the league as a huge honour:
“It’s massive when you mention names like Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Adebayor, Didier Drogba. Being on that list is unbelievable, scoring goals in one of the world’s best leagues. Being top five in that list and the highest scoring Nigerian striker is a huge achievement. Records are meant to be broken, but to be up there, to score goals, is an honour.”
Acknowledging the intensity of the competition, Yakubu emphasized how difficult it is to adapt:
“In the Premier League, it’s so difficult to score goals; you see many players who struggle here because it’s a hard league. You have to get used to it. So, it’s an honour, it makes me feel proud of myself.”
Although Aiyegbeni fell just short of the 100-goal mark, he revealed that injuries prevented him from hitting the century milestone:
“I’m very proud of scoring 95 goals in the Premier League. So many scored 100, but I didn’t have the chance because I was injured for eleven months. I wish I hadn’t got injured because it would’ve been five more goals. I’m not greedy. I’m happy, honoured even, very pleased to have reached that milestone in a huge league. A boy from Benin scoring 95 goals, I’m grateful.”
Nicknamed “The Yak,” Aiyegbeni remains Nigeria’s highest-ever goal scorer in the Premier League. His story serves as an inspiration, proving that with talent and determination, African players can carve their names into football’s toughest arenas.
At Sports Market International, we celebrate football legends who left an indelible mark on the game — and Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s name will forever be remembered among the greats.
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