Former Super Eagles Star Reveals Why Nigeria Should Be Thankful to Late Rashidi Yekini 9 Years After His Death
- Peter Ijeh says Yekini is the reason Nigerian strikers are doing well in this dispensation
- Rashidi Yekini who passed away on May 4, 2012, remains Nigeria’s all time record scorer with 37 goals
- Nine years after his death, the legend has been remembered for his goal scoring prowess
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
Former Super Eagles striker Peter Ijeh has showered encomiums on late legend Rashidi Yekini who passed away on May 4, 2012.
Nine years after his passage, Yekini remains the country’s record goal scorer with 37 goals in 62 appearances.
The striker was part of the team that participated in the 1994 where he netted Nigeria's first-ever goal in a World Cup, scoring the opener in a 3–0 win against Bulgaria.
His celebration after the goal remains one of the most iconic images of a FIFA World Cup as he cried holding onto the goal's net.
He passed away at his home in Ibadan at the young age of 48 as he reportedly suffered failing health, bipolar disorder, depression and some other undisclosed psychiatric condition.
He was buried at his residence in Ira Kwara State.
And remembering the late legend after nine years, former striker Peter Ijeh stated that Yekini was a true patriot who inspired him with his calmness and meekness.
Ijeh who had five caps for the Super Eagles in 2002 added that Yekini set the bar for other strikers and that is why Nigeria have lots of great forwards in this dispensation.
The current manager of Swedish Division 2 club side Vargarda IK told Legit.ng:
"He (Yekini) is a true Patriot. He inspired me with his calmness, meekness. He hardly makes noise, in most cases. His goal scoring prowess resonates and speaks volume.
"He set the bar that others are following. That's why Nigeria have more strikers in this dispensation of time. May his soul rest on."
Source: Getty Images
Since he retired from football, Peter Ijeh has been in Sweden and has worked as scout for some clubs before he got his new appointment as manager of Vargarda IK.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that former Nigerian international Daniel Amokachi has stated that Paul Onuachu’s goal vs Lesotho reminded him of his late teammate Rashidi Yekini.
Onuachu came off the bench to score a late goal as Nigeria defeated the Crocodiles 3-0 at the Teslim Balogun stadium in Lagos on Tuesday, March 30.
The Genk striker grabbed his first international goal in an international friendly helping Nigeria defeat the Pharaohs of Egypt 1-0 on March 26, 2019.
Source: Legit.ng
