LIVE UPDATES
On Monday, Google Doodle paid tribute to the 60th birthday of Rashidi Yekini, the iconic Nigerian footballer known for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities and affectionately nicknamed the 'Goalsfather.'
Born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Yekini's remarkable journey from a challenging early life, marked by homelessness and poverty, to the pinnacle of football stardom is celebrated and revered. Driven by an unwavering passion for football, Yekini's journey began with humble origins as a welder and mechanic before scouts recognized his extraordinary talent.
He made his debut in the football world with 'UNTL FC' in Kaduna in 1981 and later joined the Shooting Stars, where he left an indelible mark by scoring an impressive 45 goals in just 53 games, Business Day reports. In 1983, Yekini's exceptional goal-scoring prowess earned him the prestigious title of 'African Footballer of the Year,' a historic achievement as he became the first Nigerian player to receive this honour. The following year, he played a pivotal role in leading the Shooting Stars to the finals of the African Champions Cup, further cementing his legacy.
He represented various football clubs in countries such as Spain, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland. Notably, he clinched the Bola de Prata (Silver Ball) in the 1993-94 season as the league's top-scoring player while playing for the Portuguese team Vitória Setúbal. As a key figure for Nigeria's national team, the 'Super Eagles,' Yekini played a crucial role in their qualification for the 1994 World Cup. His iconic celebration, grasping the net with both arms and shedding tears of joy after scoring Nigeria's first goal in that tournament, remains etched in the annals of football history. Yekini participated in the 1998 World Cup and left an enduring legacy by scoring a total of 37 goals in 58 games for Nigeria, setting a record for the most goals scored for the country. Sadly, he passed away on May 4, 2012 at the age of 48.
"https://twitter.com/theGeekyMidget/status/1716375409854431497"
Meanwhile, former Nigerian superstar Etim Esin has stated that in-form striker Victor Osimhen can surpass the records set by the late legend Rashidi Yekini. Yekini remains Nigeria’s all-time record scorer with 37 goals, and more than ten years after his death, no one has been able to hit his marks.
