Today, Google Doodle pays homage to Rashidi Yekini on what would have been his 60th birthday. The iconic Nigerian footballer, affectionately known as the “Goalsfather,” is celebrated for his extraordinary goal-scoring prowess and remarkable journey from a challenging early life to becoming a renowned football star.
Yekini was born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, Nigeria. His unwavering passion for football led him from a background of homelessness and poverty to eventually catching the attention of scouts. Beginning his football career with ‘UNTL FC’ in Kaduna in 1981, he later made a significant impact with the Shooting Stars, amassing an impressive record of 45 goals in 53 games.
In 1983, Yekini’s exceptional goal-scoring abilities earned him the prestigious title of ‘African Footballer of the Year,’ making him the first Nigerian player to receive this honor. The following year, he played a vital role in guiding the Shooting Stars to the finals of the African Champions Cup.
Yekini’s football journey extended beyond Nigeria as he played for various football clubs across Spain, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland. His remarkable achievements included securing the Bola de Prata (Silver Ball) in the 1993-94 season as the top-scoring player in the Portuguese league with Vitória Setúbal.
A central figure for Nigeria’s national team, the ‘Super Eagles,’ Yekini played a pivotal role in their qualification for the 1994 World Cup. His unforgettable celebration, clutching the net with both arms and shedding tears of joy after scoring Nigeria’s first goal, remains a poignant moment in football history.
Rashidi Yekini illustrious career spanned over 14 years with the Super Eagles. Yekini participated in the 1998 World Cup, contributing a total of 37 goals in 58 games for Nigeria, a record for the most goals scored for the country. Source thedailycourierng news