Rashidi Yekini was one of Nigeria’s greatest footballers and a true Super Eagles legend. Born on October 23, 1963, he became famous for his strength, sharp finishing, and hunger for goals. Yekini remains Nigeria’s highest goalscorer of all time, with 37 goals in 62 matches for the national team. He made history in 1993 as the first Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year award and scored Nigeria’s first-ever goal at the FIFA World Cup in 1994. He passed away on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48.
Rashidi Yekini Profile
| Name | Rashidi Yekini |
| Real Name | Rashidi Yekini |
| Date of Birth | 23 October 1963 |
| Date of Death | 4 May 2012 (48 years) |
| State of Origin | Kwara State |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Footballer |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $800,000 |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Very little is publicly known about Rashidi Yekini’s formal education. Like many footballers of his generation, his early life was focused more on football than academics, and the game became his main path to success.
Career
Yekini was born in Kaduna, Nigeria, and was of Yoruba origin. His football journey started with UNTL Kaduna before he moved to Shooting Stars in Ibadan, where his talent became obvious. He later played outside Nigeria for clubs such as Africa Sports in Ivory Coast.
His most successful club spell came in Portugal with Vitória de Setúbal. During the 1993–94 season, he finished as the Primeira Liga top scorer, an achievement that brought him international recognition.
As a striker, Yekini was powerful, fearless, and deadly in front of goal. He was especially strong in the air and knew how to use his body well against defenders.
Rashidi Yekini was a key figure in Nigeria’s golden football era. He scored Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal at the 1994 tournament in the USA, against Bulgaria. His emotional celebration, where he held onto the goal net in tears, remains one of the most unforgettable moments in Nigerian sports history.
He also shined at the African Cup of Nations, finishing as top scorer in both the 1992 and 1994 tournaments. His goals helped Nigeria win the AFCON title in 1994, cementing his place as a national hero.
Controversies
In his later years, Yekini’s life became surrounded by concern and speculation. He reportedly struggled with health issues and lived a very quiet and isolated life. There were no confirmed details about the illness he battled, and this lack of clarity led to rumours and public worry before his death.
Personal Life
Rashidi Yekini never married but was a father to three daughters: Yemisi, Omoyemi, and Damilola. Despite his fame, he lived a modest life and rarely appeared in the media after retiring from football.
Rashidi Yekini Net Worth
At the time of his death, Rashidi Yekini’s net worth was estimated to be around $800,00.
Death
Rashidi Yekini died on May 4, 2012, in Ibadan after a long, undocumented illness. He was buried in Ira, Kwara State. Today, he is remembered as one of Africa’s greatest strikers and a symbol of Nigerian football pride. Even years after his passing, players like Victor Osimhen continue to honour him, openly calling Yekini the best striker Nigeria has ever produced.