FIFA Remembers Yekini

World football ruling body, the Federation of International Football Associations on Wednesday remembered Nigeria’s late international, Rashidi Yekini, four years after his death. According to press statements on their official website, FIFA eu-logised the former Super Eagles striker, who passed away at the age of 48. Yekini, an epitome of class on the field, represented Nigeria in five major tournaments, and scored 37 goals in 58 appearances for the Super Eagles. 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. “Against Bulgaria he scored Nigeria’s first ever FIFA World Cup goal, a strike that will earn him a place in the annals of Nigerian football. He will be sorely missed.”