Today, 23 October would have been the 67th birthday of Rashidi Yekini (born 23 October 1963 in Kaduna, Nigeria). Known affectionately as the “Goals Father”, Yekini left an indelible mark on Nigerian and African football before his untimely death on 4 May 2012 in Ibadan, aged 48.
Early Years: Humble Beginnings
Rashidi Yekini was born in Kaduna to Yoruba parents originally from Irra, in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State. Growing up, life was tough. He once worked as a welder and mechanic – jobs that taught him discipline and a strong work ethic.
Club Career: From Nigeria to Europe
Yekini’s football journey began with UNTL Kaduna, then Shooting Stars SC and Abiola Babes FC in Nigeria. His talent soon carried him abroad:
- He starred at Africa Sports in Ivory Coast, becoming a top scorer. Yekini ‘s most successful stint came at Portugal’s Vitória Setúbal, where he found remarkable scoring form — helping the club promotion and becoming league top-scorer.
- He also played in Spain (Sporting Gijón), Greece (Olympiacos), Switzerland (FC Zürich), Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, before returning to Nigeria with Gateway United.
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Superstar for Nigeria: The Goals Father
On the international stage, Yekini made his debut in 1984 for the Nigeria National Football Team (Super Eagles) and went on to score 37 goals in 58 appearances making him Nigeria’s all-time top scorer.
One of his most iconic moments came at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA: he netted Nigeria’s first ever World Cup goal (against Bulgaria) and celebrated by clutching the net, tears streaming — a moment etched forever in football memory.
He also helped Nigeria win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was also the tournament’s top scorer.
The Man Off the Field
Despite his physical presence and goal-machine reputation, Yekini was known for his humility, strong faith, and deep dedication. He once remarked: “My goals come directly from God.”
Teammates described him as intense on the pitch but quiet off it, a man who let his goals speak for him.
Final Years & Legacy
Yekini passed away on 4 May 2012 in Ibadan. The circumstances around his death remain murky, with reports of illness and mental-health struggles, but no fully confirmed public cause.
He was buried in his hometown of Irra, Kwara State. Today, his legacy lives on as Nigeria’s greatest goal-scorer for now, as a pioneer who showed that a boy from modest beginnings could conquer the world’s biggest stages.
Why He Still Matters
- His path from mechanic-trainee to football legend is a powerful story of perseverance and talent.
- His goal celebration in 1994 remains one of the most emotional in World Cup history.
- He proved that goals are not just numbers — they carry hope, pride, identity.
- He embodied humility and faith, even in success.
- On his 67th birthday, we remember how his legacy continues to inspire young footballers across Nigeria and Africa.
In remembering Rashidi Yekini on this date, we honor the “Goals Father” — not just for the goals he scored, but for the dreams he awakened.
