Rashidi Yekini was a Nigerian football legend known for his remarkable goal-scoring ability and powerful presence on the field. Born on October 23, 1963, he enjoyed a prolific career, becoming Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer with 37 goals. Yekini’s most memorable moment came when he scored Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal at USA ’94, celebrating passionately. In 1993, he became the first Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year award. He was a key player in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and left an indelible mark on African football before his passing in 2012.
1. Rashidi Yekini was born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, Nigeria.
2. He began his professional football career at 17, playing for UNTL Kaduna in Nigeria.
3. Yekini’s big breakthrough came when he played for Shooting Stars SC in Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s top football clubs at the time.
4. He had a successful stint in the Portuguese league, playing for Vitória Setúbal, where he became the league’s top scorer in the 1993–94 season.
5. Yekini was the first Nigerian player to win the African Footballer of the Year award, which he claimed in 1993.
6. He is widely celebrated for scoring Nigeria’s first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup during the USA ’94 tournament, against Bulgaria.
7. Yekini represented Nigeria in five major tournaments: the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 1994 World Cup.
8. He was part of the Nigerian team that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994.
9. With 37 international goals, Yekini remains Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer.
10. He played in various European leagues, including Portugal, Greece, and Spain, gaining recognition for his powerful shot and prolific scoring ability.
11. Yekini also featured in the 1988 Seoul Olympics for Nigeria, competing in the football event.
12. After his success in Europe, Yekini returned to Africa and played for Julius Berger FC in Lagos.
13. He had a brief coaching career after retirement, mentoring young footballers in Nigeria.
14. Despite his international success, Yekini remained humble and often credited his teammates for his achievements.
15. Rashidi Yekini passed away on May 4, 2012, but his legacy as one of Africa’s greatest footballers continues to inspire many.
Happy 61st Posthumous Birthday to the great Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s football legend. Your incredible talent, passion, and unforgettable World Cup goal continue to inspire generations. You paved the way for Nigerian football on the global stage, and your legacy lives on. Keep resting in peace, legend.
