Former Super Eagles players and football fans remembered Nigeria’s highest scorer, Rashidi Yekini, who passed away at 48 after a long illness, 12 years ago on Saturday. SUNDAY PUNCH reports.
Yekini was reportedly kidnapped before he died, and the cause of his death is still unknown.
Despite the sad ending over 10 years ago, there is pride in the accomplishments of the 1993 African Footballer of the Year, yet there is also sadness and anger at how he was treated by the government and football authorities.
Super Eagles coach George Finidi, who assisted Yekini's goal against Bulgaria at the 1994 World Cup in the USA, Nigeria’s first goal in the history of the tournament, expressed his continued sadness over Yekini's untimely death.
“His passing was a sad event for everyone,” Finidi said in a conversation with Sunday Punch.
“Through the years, I have talked about him, our connection on the field, and his contributions for Nigeria as a player. May his soul rest in peace.”
Former Eagles coach and captain, Sunday Oliseh, a teammate of Yekini, also said his 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 told SUNDAY PUNCH.
“He gave his all to our country, and his achievements are there for us all to see for others to follow and learn from. May his soul continue to rest.”
“Yekini is definitely one of the best African players and legends to ever walk this earth. Rashidi was full of pace, had a superb shot, could jump very high, and was calm in front of goal. Above all, he was a very loveable person once you got to know and understand him.”
Ace journalist Oluwashina Okeleji also used his platform to praise the former Victoria Setubal striker.
“Today (Saturday) marks the 12th anniversary of Rashidi Yekini’s death.
“Football lost 1993 African Footballer of the Year Rashidi Yekini at the age of 48. He was Nigeria’s top scorer with 37 goals in 58 games. There was pride in his achievements, sadness at his death, and anger at the way he was treated by some.”
His former club, Gateway United, also joined other Nigerians in celebrating the legacy of Yekini.
Recalling Yekini’s successful career and his short time with Gateway United in 2005, the club’s acting general manager, Niyi Soleye, said, “Rashidi Yekini was not only a prolific goal scorer but also a well-respected gentleman by teammates and opponents alike. His 37 goals for Nigeria remain unmatched, showing his talent and dedication.”
Soleye fondly remembered Yekini’s time at Gateway United as a crucial moment for the club and their fans.
“I clearly remember his arrival like it was yesterday. As club secretary at the time, it was an honor to witness such a high-caliber player joining us. He seamlessly adapted to our style, boosting morale both on and off the pitch.”
“While his passing in 2012 under controversial circumstances was tragic, his legacy continues to inspire future Nigerian footballers.