Rashidi Yekini was a Nigerian professional footballer who played as a striker. He is considered one of the greatest Nigerian footballers of all time and is widely regarded as the country’s most prolific goalscorer.
Yekini began his career in his native Nigeria with Bendel Insurance and Shooting Stars before moving to Portugal in 1990 to play for Vitória de Setúbal. He was a part of the Nigeria national team that won the 1994 African Cup of Nations, and he was named African Footballer of the Year in 1993.
Rashidi Yekini’s story is one of determination, talent, and perseverance. He was born into poverty in a rural village in Nigeria, but through hard work and dedication, he rose to become one of the greatest footballers in Africa.
His journey took him from the dusty streets of Abeokuta to the global stage, where he scored some of the most memorable goals in international football. Along the way, he overcame many challenges, including a difficult childhood, family tragedy, and political turmoil. But through it all, he remained focused on his dream of becoming a football legend. And that dream came true.
Google’s Doodle today honours Rashidi Yekini, on his post-60th birthday, who was the highest-scoring Nigerian player of all time and widely considered one of the best athletes in the country.
In this biography, we will tell the remarkable Story of Nigeria’s Greatest Footballer, Rashidi Yekini.
Rashidi Yekini Early Life
Rashidi Yekini was born on October 23, 1962, in Kaduna, Nigeria. He was the fourth of six children, and his family was very poor. His father worked as a bus conductor, and his mother was a trader at the local market. Yekini’s father wanted him to become a soldier, but he decided to follow his passion for football instead. When he was 15 years old, he left his family to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Yekini’s early life was marked by tragedy. His father died when he was just eight years old, and his mother struggled to provide for the family. He often had to go without food, and he even went through a period of homelessness at one point. Despite the challenges he faced, Yekini was determined to become a professional footballer. He was inspired by the stories of Brazilian legend Pele and fellow Nigerian great Segun Odegbami. Yekini would go on to fulfill his childhood dream, and he would become one of the most celebrated footballers in Africa.
Yekini’s first professional club was the Lagos-based club, Abiola Babes. He quickly established himself as one of the best players on the team, and he soon caught the attention of national team scouts.
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Club Career
He began his club career in Nigeria, playing for clubs such as UNTL Kaduna and Shooting Stars. Yekini’s talent and goal-scoring prowess quickly caught the attention of international scouts, leading to his move to Europe.
In 1989, Yekini made a move to Africa Sports in Ivory Coast. He had a successful stint with the club, scoring an impressive 54 goals in 32 league matches. Yekini’s performances in Ivory Coast brought him to the attention of European clubs, and in 1990, he made a move to Portugal to join Vitoria Setubal.
Yekini’s time at Vitoria Setubal was marked by his incredible goal-scoring ability. He became an instant fan favorite, scoring 34 goals in 32 league appearances. His performances attracted the interest of top clubs in Europe, and in 1994, Yekini made a move to La Liga side Sporting Gijon in Spain.
During his time at Sporting Gijon, Rashidi Yekini continued to impress with his goal-scoring ability. He scored a total of 55 goals in 68 league matches, proving to be a valuable asset for the team. Yekini’s physical presence, pace, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for opposing defenders.
After his successful spell at Sporting Gijon, Yekini made a move to Olympiacos in Greece in 1996. He had a relatively short stint at the club, scoring 10 goals in 25 league matches before leaving in 1997. Yekini then returned to Nigeria, joining Julius Berger FC before finishing his club career with Gateway FC.
Rashidi Yekini International Career
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest African strikers of all time. Yekini’s journey began in 1984 when he made his debut for the Nigerian national team.
Yekini’s prowess on the field quickly made him a key player for the Super Eagles. He played a crucial role in helping Nigeria qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1994. Yekini’s performance in the tournament was nothing short of exceptional, as he scored Nigeria’s first-ever goal in a World Cup, netting against Bulgaria in their opening match. He went on to score a total of five goals in the tournament, finishing as the highest-scoring African player.
Yekini’s success at the World Cup elevated his status in the footballing world. He became the first Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year award in 1993 and was named the CAF African Player of the Year in the same year. Yekini’s physicality, strength, and clinical finishing ability made him a formidable opponent for any defense.
Throughout his international career, Yekini represented Nigeria in numerous tournaments, including the African Cup of Nations. He played a vital role in helping Nigeria win the tournament in 1994, scoring four goals and finishing as the top scorer of the competition. Yekini’s contributions to Nigerian football were not just limited to his goal-scoring prowess; he also provided invaluable experience and leadership to the younger players.
Despite facing some challenges towards the latter part of his career, Yekini’s impact on Nigerian football cannot be understated. He ended his international career in 1998 with an impressive record of 37 goals in 58 appearances for the national team. Yekini’s dedication, skill, and passion for the game made him a beloved figure in Nigeria and a source of inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent.
Personality
Known for his towering height, incredible strength, and exceptional goal-scoring ability, Yekini quickly made a name for himself in the Nigerian football scene
Off the field, Rashidi Yekini was known for his humble and gentle personality. He was admired by fans, teammates, and opponents for his respectful and kind demeanor. Despite his success and fame, Yekini remained grounded and committed to giving back to his community.
Personal Life
Yekini’s personal life was often overshadowed by his success on the football pitch. He was married three times, and he had two children from his first marriage. He was also involved in several controversies, including allegations of domestic violence and financial mismanagement. Despite these challenges, Yekini remained a popular figure in Nigeria, and he was widely respected for his achievements on the football pitch. He was also known for his philanthropy, and he established a foundation to help disadvantaged children in Nigeria.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Yekini was also known for his spiritual beliefs. He was a devout Muslim, and he often spoke about the role that faith played in his life. He was a strong believer in the power of prayer and the importance of giving back to the community. In his later years, he became more involved in the promotion of Islam, and he used his platform to encourage others to learn more about the religion. He also became an advocate for mental health awareness, after he experienced mental health challenges later in life.
Rashidi Yekini Career Statistics
Club Career:
Yekini began his professional career in Nigeria, playing for the Nigerian clubs UNTL Kaduna and Shooting Stars. In 1987, he made a move to Africa Sports in Ivory Coast, where he quickly made a name for himself. Yekini’s performances caught the attention of European clubs, and in 1990, he signed for Vitória de Setúbal in Portugal.
During his time at Vitória de Setúbal, Yekini became an integral part of the team, consistently scoring goals and leading the attack. In the 1993-1994 season, he had a remarkable campaign, scoring 34 goals in just 32 league matches. His impressive performances earned him a move to Sporting CP, one of Portugal’s top clubs.
Yekini spent two seasons at Sporting CP, before moving on to play for several other clubs including Olympiacos in Greece, FC Zürich in Switzerland, and Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia. Despite playing for different clubs, Yekini maintained his goal-scoring prowess and continued to make a significant impact wherever he went.
International Career:
Yekini’s international career was equally impressive. He made his debut for the Nigerian national team in 1984 and went on to represent his country in several tournaments. Yekini was a key player for Nigeria during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where he scored Nigeria’s first-ever goal in a World Cup tournament.
In total, Yekini made 58 appearances for Nigeria and scored 37 goals, making him the highest-scoring Nigerian player in history. His goal-scoring record and influential performances played a crucial role in Nigeria’s success during his time with the national team.
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Honours
- 1994 African Cup of Nations winner
- 1994 African Cup of Nations top scorer
- 1997 Greek League champion
- 2000 Saudi League runner-up
- 1997 Saudi Super Cup winner
- 2002 Egyptian League champion
- 2002 Egyptian Cup winner
- 1999 African Footballer of the Year (runner-up)
- 1998 African Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament
- 1994 African Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament
- 1996 Saudi Professional League top scorer
- 1996 Saudi Cup winner
- 1997 Saudi Cup winner
- 1997 Saudi Super Cup winner
- 1992 Cup of Portugal winner
- 1993 Portuguese Cup winner
Yekini’s honours are even more impressive when you consider the fact that he achieved all of this while playing for smaller teams and facing adversity in his personal life. He was not a player who was surrounded by the luxury and glamour that is often associated with top-level football, but he still managed to achieve great things.
Death
Tragically, Yekini passed away on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48. His untimely death left a void in Nigerian football, but his legacy continues to live on. Rashidi Yekini will always be remembered as a true legend of the game, not only in Nigeria but also on the international stage.
Rashidi Yekini Legacy
His legacy is one of greatness, talent, and inspiration.
Yekini was a true example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination, regardless of the circumstances. He was a true role model for young players all over the world.
He leaves behind a lasting impression on the football world and a rich heritage for future generations to cherish. Yekini will forever be remembered as a true legend of Nigerian and African football.
