Former Super Eagles players and football enthusiasts came together on Saturday to honour Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, who passed away at the age of 48 after battling illness for an extended period.
Despite his passing more than a decade ago, there remains a sense of pride in the accomplishments of the 1993 African Footballer of the Year. Yet, there is also sorrow at his demise and frustration at the treatment he received from both the government and football authorities.
Reflecting on Yekini’s legacy, Super Eagles coach George Finidi, who assisted Yekini in scoring Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal against Bulgaria in the 1994 tournament in the USA, expressed ongoing sadness at the loss.
“His passing was sad for everyone,” Finidi said. “Over the years, I have spoken about him, our connection on the field, and what he did for Nigeria as a player. May his soul rest in peace.”
Former Eagles coach and captain, Sunday Oliseh, a teammate of Yekini, also said the late footballer’s legacies will always be a benchmark for emerging Nigerian players.
“The late Yekini deserves to always be remembered for all he did for our country,” Oliseh said.
“He gave his all to our country, and his exploits are there for us all to see and for others to emulate and learn from. May his soul continue to rest,” he said.
His former club, Gateway United, also joined other Nigerians in celebrating the legacy of Yekini.
Born on October 23, 1963 in Kaduna, Rashidi Yekini was an iconic Nigerian footballer. He rose to prominence as one of Nigeria’s greatest football talents.
Yekini began his professional career with UNTL Kaduna before making a significant impact at Africa Sports of Ivory Coast in 1987.
Yekini’s talent caught the eye of European clubs, leading to stints with Vitoria Setubal in Portugal, Olympiacos in Greece, and Sporting Gijón in Spain. He notably became the top scorer of the Primeira Liga in the 1993-1994 season.
However, it was his contributions to the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, that solidified his status as a legend. Yekini represented Nigeria in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and notably scored Nigeria’s first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup during the 1994 tournament in the United States. His celebratory run to the goalpost, where he embraced the net, remains an iconic image in Nigerian football history.
He was the 1993 CAF African Footballer and Nigeria’s top scorer with 37 goals in 58 games.
Off the field, Yekini was known for his humility and philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes. Sadly, he faced mental health challenges later in life and passed away on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48. Despite his untimely death, Rashidi Yekini’s legacy continues to inspire footballers and fans worldwide.
