Rashidi Yekini remains one of the most iconic Nigerian footballers of all time. He was a footballer who scored goals for fun, not just for his club, but for his beloved country, Nigeria. He was born on the 23rd of October, 1963, in Kaduna, Nigeria.

 

Yekini first made his mark when he became the top scorer in the Nigerian League for Shooting Stars in two consecutive seasons. His impressive goal-scoring exploits earned him a transfer to Africa Sports in Cote d'Ivoire, where he finished as the top scorer in the league with 13 goals.

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Yekini's performances in Cote d'Ivoire earned him a move to European football, signing for Portuguese club, Vitória de Setúbal in 1990. It was at Setúbal that he truly broke out as a goal-scoring sensation, scoring an impressive 34 goals in just 32 games in his debut season. He went on to score 91 goals in 111 appearances for the club, the performance that catches the eye of Nigeria's national team selectors.

 

Yekini made his debut for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in 1984, but it wasn't until the 1990 African Cup of Nations that he established himself as one of Nigeria's most potent forwards. He scored in Nigeria's 5-1 win over Kenya in the opening match of the tournament before scoring a memorable goal in the semi-final against Algeria.

 

Yekini’s goal was a breath-taking display of strength, power, and accuracy as he shrugged off a couple of defenders before unleashing a thunderous shot into the back of the net. Nigeria went on to win the tournament, with Yekini finishing as the top scorer and the Player of the Tournament.

 

Yekini played a pivotal role in Nigeria's qualification campaign for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He was in blistering form, scoring five goals in the group stage, including a brace against Ethiopia in the final qualifying match. His exploits in the World Cup were equally impressive.

 

Yekini scored Nigeria's first-ever goal in Nigeria's opening match against Bulgaria in the World Cup, thereby placing him in the record books as the first Nigerian to score in the competition. He also scored Nigeria's second goal in their 3-0 win over Bulgaria.

 

Yekini's celebration after scoring that goal is indelibly etched in the minds of football fans worldwide. He ran to the net and grabbed onto it in a passionate display of joy and relief.

 

Yekini finished his international career as Nigeria's top scorer with 37 goals in 58 appearances. He retired from international football in 1998, but his legacy as one of Nigeria's finest footballers lives on. He was a fearsome competitor on the field, known for his power, pace, and eye for goal. Off the field, Yekini was known for his gentle and kind demeanor, endearing him to fans and loved ones alike.

 

Tragically, Yekini died on the 4th of May, 2012, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, at the age of 48. He left behind a legacy of inspiring football, unparalleled goal-scoring, and devotion to his country.

 

Conclusion

Yekini's memory lives on in the hearts of Nigerian football fans, who will forever cherish his contribution to the beautiful game. His impact on Nigerian football and on the world stage will never be forgotten.