Rashidi Yekini is undoubtedly one of the greatest Nigerian players to ever grace the football field. To call him a national hero would be an understatement; he was an African icon who left an indelible mark on the minds of Nigerians with his exceptional football talent.
He won the African Best Player of the Year in 1993, becoming the first Nigerian player to achieve this feat. He was instrumental in Nigeria's first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 1994 hosted by the United State of America.
Yekini scored Nigeria's first World Cup goal in the Super Eagles' opening match against Bulgaria. A memorable goal which was assisted by recently appointed Super Eagles coach Finidi George.
With 37 international goals in 58 matches, the gangling striker still holds the record of the most international goals for Nigeria. A record which has stood for two decades.
Yekini died in Ibadan, Oyo State, on May 4, 2012, at age 48.
Here are the three adorable daughters of the Kaduna-born star.
Rashidat Yemisi Yekini
Born in 1994 in London, Rashidi's eldest daughter faced the loss of her father at the young age of 17.
She pursued her education at Eastlea Community School and Epping Forest College in London before achieving academic excellence at De Montfort University in Leicester, graduating with distinction in Cinematography.
Currently, she leads OJ's Kitchen in the United Kingdom, specializing in African cuisine.
Mariam Omoyemi Yekini
The second daughter received her primary and secondary education in Osun State, Nigeria.
She earned a bachelor's degree in English and Literary Studies from the University of Ilorin in 2019.
Following her studies, she completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with SuperSports in 2020.
Damilola Yekini
The youngest daughter was only three years old when her father passed away in 2012.
Raised by her mother in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, she encountered her father's legacy through stories and her solitary visit to his gravesite.
Despite the challenges, Damilola, born into privilege, faces the complexities of her father's legacy with resilience and grace.
Comments