Rashidi Yekini is one of Nigeria’s legendary footballers whose impact on the national team and clubs he played for before his retirement and demise will forever be felt.
As today marks the 60th posthumous birthday of Rashidi Yekini, the Global Organization of Oriented Group Language of Earth better known as Google specially celebrated the legend using its doodle.
As the global community commemorates the late Rashidi Yekini, a former ‘African Footballer of The Year’ who would have marked his 60th birthday on October 23, 2023, here are essential facts about his life.
- Rashidi Yekini Kaduna State but hailed from Yoruba heritage with roots in Kwara State.
- Before answering his football calling, Yekini worked as a welder and mechanic. He eventually embarked on his football journey, commencing with his debut club, ‘UNTL FC,’ situated in Kaduna.
- In 1982, Rashidi Yekini became a member of the Shooting Stars, where he stayed for two years, managing to secure 45 goals in 53 matches.
- In 1993, Yekini made history as the inaugural Nigerian footballer to clinch the prestigious ‘African Footballer of the Year award. In 1984, Yekini spearheaded the Shooting Stars to the finals of the African Champions Cup.
- During the 1993-94 season, while playing for Portugal’s Vitória Setúbal, Yekini secured the Bola de Prata (Silver Ball) by emerging as the leading scorer in the league, netting an impressive 21 goals.
- Yekini played a crucial role in Nigeria’s national team, the ‘Super Eagles,’ helping them secure qualification for the 1994 World Cup. Notably, he scored the opening goal of the match. For more than 14 years, he remained dedicated to the Super Eagles, participating in another World Cup event in 1998.
- Throughout his tenure with the Super Eagles, Yekini recorded an impressive 37 goals in 58 matches for Nigeria. Many soccer stars worldwide have regarded his exceptional soccer skills as a benchmark for their abilities.
Personal Life
Rashidi Yekini passed away on 4th May 2012 at the age of 48 in Ibadan, Oyo State. While some reports claimed that Yekini was kidnapped shortly before he passed, the mystery behind his death has remained unsolved.
He had three wives and three daughters named Yemisi, Omoyemi, and Damilola.
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