Google Doodle is thrilled to commemorate the 60th birthday of the legendary Nigerian football icon, Rashidi Yekini, affectionately known as the “Goalsfather.”
Born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Yekini’s extraordinary ability to score goals made him a household name in the world of football.
Yekini’s path to greatness was not without challenges. He once experienced homelessness and poverty but continued to pursue his true passion for football. His relentless determination eventually caught the eye of talent scouts.
In 1981, the Goalsfather joined his first football club, ‘UNTL FC’ in Kaduna, where he showcased his scoring prowess. He later moved on to the Shooting Stars and left an indelible mark, scoring an impressive 45 goals in 53 games.
In 1983, Yekini’s remarkable scoring abilities earned him the title of ‘African Footballer of the Year,’ becoming the first Nigerian player to achieve this honor. The following year, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Shooting Stars to the finals of the African Champions Cup.
Rashidi Yekini’s football journey extended beyond Nigeria as he graced clubs in Spain, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland. In the 1993-94 season, while playing for Portugal’s Vitória Setúbal, he claimed the Bola de Prata (Silver Ball) as the league’s top goal-scorer.
He also played a crucial role in Nigeria’s national team, the ‘Super Eagles,’ helping them qualify for the 1994 World Cup. During this historic event, he scored Nigeria’s first goal, celebrating with an iconic moment as he embraced the net with tears of joy. This celebration remains etched in the annals of football history as one of the most iconic goal celebrations.
Yekini continued to represent the Super Eagles for over 14 years, including another World Cup appearance in 1998. He scored an impressive 37 goals in 58 games for Nigeria, solidifying his place as the all-time leading goal scorer for the nation.
The football world mourned the loss of the ace footballer in May 2012, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and in the annals of football history.
| Sahara Reporters
