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Yekini’s posthumous 60th birthday: Top10 moments of the ‘Goalsfather’

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The world of football has witnessed numerous legendary figures throughout its history, but few have made as enduring an impact as Rashidi Yekini, who sadly passed away on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48. His name is synonymous with admiration among African soccer enthusiasts, and Yekini’s journey in the beautiful game was truly extraordinary. His remarkable ability to score goals, unwavering passion, and distinctive celebrations endeared him to fans, and his legacy persists. Recently, Google commemorated what would have been his 60th birthday by creating a doodle in honor of the man who scored Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal.

Known as the ‘Goals Father,’ Yekini stands as Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer with 37 goals and is widely regarded as the greatest Nigerian striker and one of the best in Africa.

In this article, PUNCH Sports Extra pays tribute to the top ten memorable moments in Yekini’s life, who would have celebrated his 60th birthday on Monday.

1. First Eagles Goal

Born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, Yekini’s remarkable football journey began when he scored his first goal for the Super Eagles on April 6, 1985, against Kenya in the 1986 World Cup qualifiers. This moment marked the start of a prolific international career, during which he became the Eagles’ all-time leading scorer with 37 goals in 58 appearances.

2. Three-time Top Scorer

He achieved the top scorer title in the Ivory Coast topflight league for three consecutive years (1988, 1989, and 1990) while playing for Africa Sports.

3. AFCON 1992 Golden Boot

Yekini scored four goals to claim the Golden Boot as he led Nigeria to a bronze medal finish at AFCON 1992 in Senegal.

4. African Footballer of The Year

In 1993, he was named the African Footballer of The Year, becoming the first Nigerian to receive this honor. His goals had propelled the Eagles to their first-ever qualification for the 1994 World Cup.

5. Triple Haul at AFCON 1994

Yekini once again secured the AFCON Golden Boot in 1994 with five goals in Tunisia. This time, at the peak of his powers at the age of 30, he led the Eagles to their second AFCON title and was also awarded the tournament’s best player. Upon his return to Nigeria, he received the Member of The Order of The Niger award from the Federal Government.

6. First World Cup Goal

Yekini played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 1994. In the opening game against highly regarded Bulgaria, he scored Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal in a 3-0 victory, with his emotional celebration – crying while holding the goal’s net – becoming an iconic image of the tournament.

7. True Goals Father

Affectionately known as “Ye-King,” Yekini had a prolific club career, characterized by a high volume of goals. He scored 45 league goals in 53 matches for his first club, Shooting Stars, 80 goals in 100 games for Abiola, 112 goals in 130 games for Ivorian giants Africa Sports, and 94 goals in 148 appearances for Portuguese side Setubal, among others.

8. Primeira Liga Golden Boot

In the 1993/94 season, Yekini was the top scorer in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, netting 21 goals in his final season with Vitoria Setubal.

9. 34-Goal Season

During the previous campaign (1992/93), Yekini achieved a career-best by scoring 34 goals in just 32 games, a significant contribution that helped Setubal secure promotion from the Portuguese second division to the Primeira Liga.

10. Return from Retirement

In April 2005, at the age of 41, Yekini made a brief comeback, joining Gateway United FC alongside former national teammate Mobi Oparaku. The veteran demonstrated that he still had the knack for scoring, registering seven goals in 26 appearances.

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