By Oluwatosin Maliki
On the occasion of what would have been his 60th birthday, Google commemorates the extraordinary achievements of Nigeria’s all-time leading goal scorer, Rashidi Yekini, with a special doodle.
Born in Kaduna State on October 23, 1963, Rashidi Yekini left an indelible mark on Nigerian football and is revered for the lasting legacy he bequeathed to the nation.
Affectionately known as “Yekini,” he is particularly remembered for his iconic goal celebration, where he clung to the net after scoring Nigeria’s first goal in the 1994 World Cup match against Bulgaria. This memorable goal eventually led to a resounding 3-0 victory for the Super Eagles.
The doodle features a brief biography of the Kaduna-born striker, stating, “Today’s Doodle celebrates iconic Nigerian footballer Rashidi Yekini, an accomplished forward nicknamed the ‘Goalsfather’ for his ability to sneak shots by the keeper. On this day in 1963, he was born in Kaduna, Nigeria.”
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Yekini’s early life was marked by adversity, including periods of homelessness and poverty. He initially worked as a welder and mechanic to make ends meet, but his true passion lay in pursuing a career in football. His talent soon caught the eye of scouts, and in 1981, he joined his first football club, UNTL FC, in Kaduna.
Over the course of a little over 14 years, he donned the Super Eagles jersey, including a memorable appearance at the 1998 World Cup. In 58 international games for Nigeria, he found the back of the net 37 times, a record that endures to this day as the highest number of goals scored for the country.
Google pays a heartfelt tribute, saying, “Happy birthday, Rashidi Yekini!”
Yekini, whose career saw him score 37 goals in 62 appearances for Nigeria, tragically passed away in 2011 after battling health challenges for an extended period.