Super Eagles strikers Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu feature prominently among football’s elite aerial record holders, with both Nigerians ranking in the top rankings for highest jumps and bicycle kicks.

Osimhen currently ranks fifth in football’s highest jump records with a spectacular 2.58-metre leap during Napoli’s 3-0 victory over Spezia in February 2023. The striker soared above goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski in the 68th minute to double Napoli’s advantage at the Stadio Alberto Picco.

His exceptional leaping ability enables him to connect with crosses easily and have a significant impact in the air, making him one of the world’s top attackers. Osimhen has scored nine goals in 12 games across all competitions for Galatasaray this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the overall record for the highest jump at 2.93 metres, achieved for Real Madrid against Manchester United in a UEFA Champions League round-of-16 match in February 2013. Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri ranks second with a 2.78-metre header against Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, while Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi (2.62 metres) and England’s Fikayo Tomori (2.61 metres) complete the top five.

In the bicycle kick rankings, Onuachu currently sits second with his record strike against Fatih Karagumruk in the Turkish Super Lig last year, measured at 2.41 metres. The towering Trabzonspor striker’s overhead kick had broken Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record of 2.38 metres.

Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay now holds the top spot at 2.53 metres following his spectacular overhead kick during Scotland’s World Cup qualifying victory over Denmark on November 18. According to Score 90, McTominay, who stands 1.91 metres tall, jumped an extra 0.62 metres to reach the height needed for his goal off a cross from Ben Gannon-Doak.

With McTominay and Onuachu now ahead of him, Ronaldo has dropped to third in the bicycle kick rankings.

Onuachu has scored nine goals and provided one assist in 13 league games for Trabzonspor this season.