Google celebrates: Yekini, the late Super Eagles striker, becomes 60 years old posthumously

Google has honoured former Super Eagles forward Rashidi Yekini on his 60th posthumous birthday.

Google created a unique doodle in honour of the late renowned striker.

Yekini passed away on May 4, 2012, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, at the young age of 48.

The doodle’s introduction included a bio of the legendary striker: “Today’s Doodle honours legendary Nigerian footballer Rashidi Yekini, a successful forward known as the “Goalsfather” for his prowess in slipping shots past goalkeepers. He was born in Kaduna, Nigeria, on this day in 1963.

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Yekini had a challenging start to life because of his poverty and homelessness. His initial employment were as a mechanic and welder to earn money, but football was his main passion. He quickly started practising in front of scouts, and in 1981 he signed with UNTL FC in Kaduna, which was his first football team.

“The gifted striker then competed with the Shooting Stars, tallying an amazing 45 goals in 53 contests. He was the first Nigerian player to win the African Footballer of the Year award in 1983 thanks to his incredible scoring prowess. He assisted in advancing the Shooting Stars to the African Champions Cup finals the following year.

He has represented football teams outside of Nigeria in Spain, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Tunisia, Switzerland, and Greece. He received the Bola de Prata (Silver Ball) while representing Vitória Setbal in Portugal for leading the league in scoring during the 1993–1994 season.

“Rashidi Yekini, happy birthday!”

One of the best attackers who have emerged from Nigeria is Yekini.

The former footballer for Portuguese club Vitoria Setubal was instrumental in helping Nigeria reach its first World Cup in 1994.

At the 1992 and 1994 Tunisia and Senegal Nations Cups, he led the scoring charts.

Yekini scored the first World Cup goal for Nigeria.