Rashidi Yekini: Nigerians pay tribute to late striker on 56th posthumous birthday
Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria's unarguably most deadly striker, would have turned 56 today, Wednesday, October 23, was he still alive, but his painful exit at 48 in 2012 has not stopped evoke the fond memories of his extremely impressive sojourn in football.
Born in 1963, his trajectory in professional football spanning two decades began in Nigerian League at 17 for UNTL Kaduna 1981. He then moved to Shooting Stars in Ibadan where he made 53 appearances with 49 goals.
After successful spell with Shooting, he went to Europe to ply his trade, signing for Portuguese side Vitória de Setúbal. There, he created memorable years and eventually became the Primeira Liga's top scorer in the 1993–94 season with 21 goals.
Yekini played for other top clubs including Olympiacos, Sporting Gijón, Vitória Setúbal, Zürich before dropping the curtain of his career in style with Gateway FC Abeokuta.
Internationally, he made 58 appearances for Nigeria, scoring 37 goals— a record no player has broken up till date.
Among others achievements, he scored Nigeria’s first ever World Cup goal in a 3–0 win against Bulgaria at USA '94. Besides, he was the first Nigerian to win the African footballer of the year award in 1993.
Legit.ng brings memories of his illustrious career as Nigerians posthumously pay tribute to his legacies and legend as he turns 56.
On micro-blogging platform Twitter, a user David Oku wrote: "We remember African and Nigerian football legend Rashidi Yekini, who would have turned 56 today. Record goalscorer for Nigeria with 37 goals. His memories lives on. #WeRememberYekini"
And of course, another use tweeted:
On Facebook, a user said: ''Rest on Rashidi king.Congratulations and best wishes on your birthday.''
Another user said: "Indeed he is a legend, rest on the goalpocher.''
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Nigeria's Scrabble national team emerged winners of the World English Scrabble Players Association Championship in India for the second time.
Wellington Jighere was the first player to put the country's name on the world map of the sports after winning the 2015 edition of the competition - winning a total prize of about $25,000.
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Source: Legit.ng
