Google Doodle has said it is delighted to commemorate the 60th birthday of the iconic Nigerian football legend, Rashidi Yekini, affectionately known as the Goalsfather.
Yekini is fondly remembered for his iconic goal celebration where he held on to the net after scoring Nigeria’s first goal at the USA 1994 World Cup match against Bulgaria, which ended 3-0 in favour of the Super Eagles.
The doodle opened with a bio about the Kaduna-born striker “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.”
“The beginning of Yekini’s life was difficult as he faced homelessness and poverty. To make money, his first jobs were as a welder and mechanic, but his true goal was to pursue football. He soon began playing in front of scouts and in 1981.
Born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Yekini’s extraordinary talent for slipping shots past goalkeepers made him a household name.
The late Rashidi Yekini’s journey was not without hardship, as he once faced homelessness and poverty. He toiled as a welder and mechanic to make ends meet, but his true passion was football. His determination paid off when he caught the eye of talent scouts.
In 1981, the Goalsfather joined his first football club, ‘UNTL FC’ in Kaduna. From there, he moved on to the Shooting Stars and left an indelible mark by scoring an impressive 45 goals in 53 games.
In 1983, Yekini’s remarkable scoring prowess earned him the title of ‘African Footballer of the Year,’ becoming the first Nigerian player to achieve this honour. The following year, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Shooting Stars to the finals of the African Champions Cup.
Late Yekini’s journey wasn’t confined to Nigeria. He graced football clubs in Spain, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland. In the 1993-94 season, while playing for Portugal’s Vitória Setúbal, he claimed the Bola de Prata (Silver Ball) for being the league’s top goal-scorer.
He also played a vital role in Nigeria’s national team, the ‘Super Eagles,’ helping them qualify for the 1994 World Cup. During this historic event, he scored Nigeria’s first goal, celebrating with an iconic moment as he embraced the net with tears of joy.
The company said the celebration remains etched in the annals of football history as one of the most iconic goal celebrations.
Yekini continued representing the Super Eagles for over 14 years, including another World Cup appearance in 1998. He scored an impressive 37 goals in 58 games for Nigeria, securing his place as the all-time leading goal scorer for the nation.
“He played for the Super Eagles for a little over 14 years, including another shot at the World Cup in 1998. In his 58 games for Nigeria, he scored 37 times, and to this day holds the record for most goals scored for the country.
He died in 2011 after battling health problems for an extended period.
