Rashidi Yekini passed away on May 4, 2012, in Ibadan, Oyo State at the age of 48.
In rememberance of him, NFF tweeted, “Today we remember one of the World’s most feared strikers of his time, Rashidi Yekini who passed on to glory on this day in 2012. May his soul continue to Rest In Peace”
FIFA posted on its World Cup Twitter handle, Yekini’s celebration after netting Nigeria’s first goal in the competition in 1994, describing it as one of the most iconic goal jubilations in the tournament’s history.
“Rasheed Yekini produced one of the most iconic celebrations in #WorldCup history after scoring the @NGSuperEagles’ first-ever goal in the competition,” said the football body.“Africa sadly lost its greatest-ever players #OnThisDay in 2012, but his legend will live on eternally.”
His former teammates, Mutiu Adepoju and a former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, reminisced their days playing together for the national team.
In a eulogy to the late footballer, Adepoju who was called the “Headmaster” in his playing days, recalled how Yekini rescued the team in difficult times.
“Whenever we seem down and defeated, you always conjure your magic wand and get us out of trouble with your goals,” he wrote. “It was never a dull moment with you in camp as everyone’s ribs would be cracked at your jokes.
