Rashidi Yekini was an amazing striker for the Nigeria football club. He was born in Kaduna on October 23, 1963 and died on May 4, 2012 in Ibadan. And October 23 2023 makes it 11 years after his death, and 60 years posthumous birthday.
He grew up doing other jobs like welding and mechanics before pursuing his football career. His football journey began with the United Textile Mills Limited (UNTL) Kaduna in 1981–1982 and he played for several other national clubs as well as international clubs.
Yekini remains one of the best strikers that Nigeria ever produced. He scored Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goal in a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in their opening group game at USA 1994, and he was the all-time highest goal scorer with 37 goals in 58 games.
In addition, Yekini contributed to the Super Eagles’ victory at the 1994 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia, where he also led the scoring with five goals and was named the tournament’s best player, and received the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) award from the Federal Government.
He kept on making Nigeria proud in the international football sector. He played his final season with Vitoria Setubal, and scored the highest number of goals in the Portuguese Primeira Liga in 1993–1994 with 21 goals, winning the Golden Boot.
Nigeria remembers Yekini not only for his outstanding football skills but also for his kind hearted personality.
A football enthusiast and veteran journalist also recalled how Yekini portrayed his kindness to the mother of his tenant, who was given a quick notice to leave his house.
He later withdrew the quick notice because of his respect to elders and sympathy he had on the tenant’s mother.
Indeed, Rashidi Yekini will always be remembered in Nigerian football history.
