Rashidi Yekini - Scorer of Nigeria's First Ever World Cup Goal
Gangling Rashidi Yekini is the most prolific striker to have come from Nigeria since the inception of the round leather game. He was nicknamed- Ye-king because of his knack for goals. He grew up in Kaduna metropolis where he became a household name in the state and subsequently gained national recognition.
In 1994, Rashidi Yekini led the Super Eagles to victory at the African Nations Cup held in Tunisia where he emerged as the competition highest goal scorer. He was a terror to opposing defenders and goalkeepers who found it hard to keep him at bay, due to his large frame and ferocious shots.
After the triumph of the Super Eagles at Tunisia 1994, the entire world were glad to welcome Africa's most popular team to her maiden World Cup outing which was hosted by the United States of America. Nigeria first match was against Bulgaria in the famous Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas.
Before a capacity crowd of more than 40,000, the Super Eagles of Nigeria scored the opening goal in the 21st minutes of the tension soak encounter through enterprising Rashidi Yekini who was then plying his trade with Victoria Setubal of Portugal. It was a clinical goal that came off a wonderful move from the right flank where Ajax Amsterdam of Holland's winger- Finidi George was operating.
The mesmerizing Finidi George got the better of the Bulgarian defence and sent in a tailor-made pass which found the on-rushing Rashidi Yekini in the 6 yard box of the Bulgarian. He made no mistake as he hit a first time shot into the back of the opposition net to register Nigeria first ever goal in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
The entire stadium erupted in joy and Rashidi Yekini almost tore the Bulgarian net with joy visibly written all over him. He had entered the history book in the most astonishing fashion. The match eventually ended 3-0 in favor of the Nigerians who out-played the Hristo Stoichkov led side. It was an encounter that witnessed the best of African football on display.
After his retirement from professional football, Rashidi Yekini made a shock return to the Nigerian Premier League, where he starred for Julius Berger of Lagos in the 2005-2006 season. He scored a couple of goals for the Bridge boys and eventually announced his final retirement from the game that had brought him fame and fortune.
He scored a total of 37 goals during his illustrious career with the Super Eagles and gained global prominence in 1993 when he was awarded the CAF African footballer of the year award.
In 1994, Rashidi Yekini led the Super Eagles to victory at the African Nations Cup held in Tunisia where he emerged as the competition highest goal scorer. He was a terror to opposing defenders and goalkeepers who found it hard to keep him at bay, due to his large frame and ferocious shots.
After the triumph of the Super Eagles at Tunisia 1994, the entire world were glad to welcome Africa's most popular team to her maiden World Cup outing which was hosted by the United States of America. Nigeria first match was against Bulgaria in the famous Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas.
Before a capacity crowd of more than 40,000, the Super Eagles of Nigeria scored the opening goal in the 21st minutes of the tension soak encounter through enterprising Rashidi Yekini who was then plying his trade with Victoria Setubal of Portugal. It was a clinical goal that came off a wonderful move from the right flank where Ajax Amsterdam of Holland's winger- Finidi George was operating.
The mesmerizing Finidi George got the better of the Bulgarian defence and sent in a tailor-made pass which found the on-rushing Rashidi Yekini in the 6 yard box of the Bulgarian. He made no mistake as he hit a first time shot into the back of the opposition net to register Nigeria first ever goal in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
The entire stadium erupted in joy and Rashidi Yekini almost tore the Bulgarian net with joy visibly written all over him. He had entered the history book in the most astonishing fashion. The match eventually ended 3-0 in favor of the Nigerians who out-played the Hristo Stoichkov led side. It was an encounter that witnessed the best of African football on display.
After his retirement from professional football, Rashidi Yekini made a shock return to the Nigerian Premier League, where he starred for Julius Berger of Lagos in the 2005-2006 season. He scored a couple of goals for the Bridge boys and eventually announced his final retirement from the game that had brought him fame and fortune.
He scored a total of 37 goals during his illustrious career with the Super Eagles and gained global prominence in 1993 when he was awarded the CAF African footballer of the year award.
Clement Sadjere is an Author, a motivational speaker and an information product sales/ marketing expert. He can be reached via telephone on +2347031874734
He is the owner of http://www.grelohi.com a free article directory website
He is the owner of http://www.grelohi.com a free article directory website
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