Rashidi Yekini: A Brief Biography of the Nigerian Football Legend
Born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, Nigeria, this forward player had an exceptional career in the world of football. His journey began in 1981 with UNTL Kaduna, where he played 30 games and scored 12 goals.
In 1982, he moved to Shooting Stars, where he displayed his skills in 53 matches, scoring an impressive 45 goals. His talents didn’t go unnoticed as he joined Abiola Babes in 1984, where he played 100 games and scored an outstanding 80 goals.
The football world saw him shine even brighter when he played for Africa Sports from 1987 to 1990, making 113 appearances and scoring a stunning 105 goals.
In 1990, he ventured to Vitória Setúbal, Portugal, and continued to impress with 114 games and 91 goals. He briefly played for Olympiacos in the 1994-1995 season, contributing 2 goals in just 4 matches. Sporting Gijón in 1995-1996 saw him in 14 games, with 3 goals to his name.
Returning to Vitória Setúbal in 1997, he made 14 more appearances and scored 3 goals. His journey took him to Zürich in 1997-1998, where he played 28 games and netted 14 goals.
He continued to explore different opportunities, including stints with Bizerte, Al-Shabab, and a return to Africa Sports from 1999 to 2002, amassing 130 appearances and an impressive 112 goals.
In 2002-2003, he played for Julius Berger, contributing 10 goals in 50 matches. He briefly returned to the field with Gateway in 2005, playing 26 games and scoring 7 goals. In total, he had 673 appearances and an astounding 483 goals in his senior career.
On the international stage, he represented Nigeria from 1984 to 1998, playing 62 matches and scoring 37 goals. His impact on the world of football is undeniable, and his legacy lives on.
Rashidi Yekini Biography
Rashidi Yekini, a name etched in the annals of Nigerian football history, was born on October 23, 1963, and sadly departed on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48.
He was a Nigerian professional footballer known for his remarkable skills and exceptional goal-scoring abilities. This article delves into the life and career of this legendary figure.
Age and Date of Birth
Rashidi Yekini was born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, Nigeria, and passed away at the age of 48. He graced the football world with his talent for nearly three decades, leaving an indelible mark.
State of Origin and Tribe
It’s known that Rashidi Yekini was of Yoruba origin, from Kwara State, Nigeria.
Religion
He was a Muslim
Rashidi Yekini was a Muslim. He followed the religion of his parents and the predominant religion in Kaduna, Nigeria, where he grew up. He was buried according to Muslim rites within 24 hours, as practiced in his religion.
Personal Life
Meet His Wife and Children
Rashidi Yekini was a proud father to three daughters: Yemisi, Omoyemi, and Damilola. While information about his wives remains undisclosed, his love for his children was evident.
Meet His Father and Mother
Yekini was surrounded by his aged mother, brother, wives, and children when he passed away. This shows the close-knit nature of his family.
Siblings
Rashidi Yekini had three siblings: Akeem Yekini, Ismaila Yekini, and Rofiat Yekini.
Sadly, Akeem Yekini his brother passed away on May 5, 2018, six years after Rashidi Yekini’s death. We have no information about the current status of Ismaila and Rofiat Yekini.
Career
Rashidi Yekini’s football journey was an illustrious one. He spent the majority of his professional career with Vitória de Setúbal in Portugal, where he made history by becoming the Primeira Liga’s top scorer in the 1993–94 season.
This accomplishment added to his long list of achievements, making him an icon in the world of football.
His career took him to several countries, including Ivory Coast, Greece (Olympiacos), Spain (Sporting de Gijón), Switzerland (FC Zürich), Tunisia (Club Athlétique Bizertin), and Saudi Arabia (Al-Shabab Riyadh).
His passion for the sport drove him to continue playing even after returning to Nigeria, where he joined Julius Berger FC at the age of 39. In addition to his club career, Yekini represented Nigeria in international football, scoring 37 goals in 62 appearances.
He was a vital part of the Nigerian team in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, where he etched his name in history by scoring Nigeria’s first-ever goal in the competition.
His iconic celebration, shedding tears of joy while holding the net, remains an enduring image from those World Cup campaigns.
Rashidi Yekini also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, where he was the top scorer and named the best player of the competition. He also participated in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Education Background
Specific details about Rashidi Yekini’s educational background are not readily available in the provided information. But began his career as an apprentice welder in the city but was drawn away from the workshop by his deep passion for football. This shift led him to the football field, where his love for the sport truly blossomed.
Net Worth
Rashidi Yekini’s net worth was estimated to be between $1 million and $10 million, primarily attributed to his successful football career.
People Also Asked
Was Rashidi Yekini married?
Yes, he married three Wives, but their names and backgrounds remain undisclosed.
What is Rashidi Yekini’s net worth?
His net worth was estimated to be between $1 million and $10 million.
Rashidi Yekini’s Has How Many Children?
He has Three children (daughters) named, Yemisi, Omoyemi, and Damilola.
What Is Rashidi Yekini’s State of Origin?
He is from Kwara State, NIgeria.
In Conclusion
Rashidi Yekini’s legacy in Nigerian and global football is undeniable. He was not just a prolific goal-scorer but a symbol of dedication and passion for the sport.
His life, both on and off the field, left an indelible mark, and his memory lives on in the hearts of football enthusiasts worldwide.
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