Remembering Yekini: FIFA Pays Tribute to Super Eagles Legend 4 Years After His Death

 

In a statement released on the world football governing body’s website, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), on Wednesday, remembered Nigeria’s Super Eagles legend, Rasheed Yekini, four years after his death.

 

Yekini, whose memorable goal and the subsequent celebration became historic, is Nigeria’s highest goal scorer (37 goals) till date.

 

The footballer who pased away from illness on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48, entered history books after scoring the Super Eagles’ first ever FIFA World Cup goal at the 1994 finals held in the U.S. in the 3-0 group stage win over Bulgaria.

 

 

Below is an article published on FIFA's website titled - Remembering Yekini

 

On Friday 4 May 2012, at the age of 48, Rasheed Yekini passed away after a brief but serious illness. Nigeria’s record goalscorer (37 goals) ensured his name went down in the history books when he scored the Super Eagles’ first ever FIFA World Cup goal at the 1994 finals in the USA in the 3-0 group stage win over Bulgaria.

 

FIFA.com looks back on his memorable goal and subsequent celebration. Yekini who played for several clubs in Spain, Greece, Portugal and Switzerland, could hardly believe he had scored and spontaneously grabbed the net, shaking it in celebration.

 

The photo of the 58-time Nigeria international captivated the world and even today the former striker, who in 1993 was the first Nigerian to be voted African Footballer of the Year, remains a respected figure in the global football family.

“Rasheed Yekini was one of the best players at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA,” said former FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter when he learned of Yekini’s death.