8 years after, Rashidi Yekini lives on
Football Legend Rashidi Yekini

Today makes it eight years after late former Super Eagles striker Rashidi Yekini, passed on in his home town in Ibadan, Oyo state South-West Nigeria.

Yekini was an important member of the golden generation super Eagles that conquered Africa in 1994 remains Super Eagles all-time highest goal scorer with 37 goals.

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The versatile striker made history at the World Cup on June 21, 1994. He became the first Nigerian to score in a FIFA World Cup in Nigeria’s first match against Bulgaria in Dallas United States.

The memory of that goal still lingers, in the minds of all who watched his goal celebration. Yekini ran into the net held tight on to it and in a manner that suggests he was shedding tears of joy, and shouted “Rashidi! Yekini!!

Yekini is Nigeria’s most accomplished striker, he won the African footballer of the year award in 1993. During his days, he was a threat to any goalkeeper he had a date with, as he had a clinical finishing that was next to none.

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His finishing became so predictable that he was nicknamed “King of Goals”, a name which he never shared with anyone even after retirement.

He died of depression on May 4, 2012, and will forever be remembered for the honour which he brought to Nigeria.

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Rest in peace Baba Yekini, you are legend, we cannot forget you.

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