(http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/thumbnail.php?file=rashidi_yekini_563163542.jpg&size=article_medium) Former Super Eagles striker, Rashidi Yekini •Jonathan, govs, others hail soccer star
Former Super Eagles striker, Rashidi Yekini, was laid to rest in his Ira, Kwara State hometown yesterday amid tributes by President Goodluck Jonathan, state governors, football administrators and colleagues.[/size] Yekini, 48, died on Friday and was buried according to Islamic rites in his father’s compound.[/font][/size]
President Jonathan said Yekini’s death was as shocking as it was unfortunate.[/font][/font][/size]
Nigeria, according to him, would remember the late football legend for his "superlative performances" in the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia and the World Cup in the USA.[/font]
[/size]"It was a delight watching his fast-paced goal-bound moves at international football competitions as he was feared by goal-keepers and defenders alike," he said.
[/size]Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos State expressed sadness that Yekini died at a time, when his wealth of experience would have been very useful in the training of young ones in the round leather game and for developing football in Nigeria."
[/size]He said the late Yekini, who scored Nigeria’s first goal at the World Cup in U.S.A in 1994, was a classic example of how a player should serve his fatherland with dedication, as he was never tired of answering national call-ups.
[/size]The Governor described the late footballer as a disciplined, contended and exceptionally gifted sportsman whose unwavering commitment to his chosen career is an inspiration to coming generations of footballers in particular and sportsmen and women generally.
[/size]He prayed that Almighty God might strengthen the family and loved ones left behind by the deceased.
[/size]Former Secretary-General, Nigerian Football Association (NFA), Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi urged the governors of South West states to immortalise him.
[/size]Ogunjobi, a former Shooting Stars captain during Yekini’s days in the club, while speaking to reporters in Irra, shortly before the burial of the late striker said: "I call on the management of the Shooting Stars Football club, the federal government and governors of the South West states to immortalise him.
[/size]"The governors should not just name any mushroom stadium after him but something substantial so that if foreigners come to this country they will know that he was somebody that did a lot for soccer development. I expect them to come and do something in his name.
[/size]"First and foremost, I want to say it is sad that he died at a young age. This is somebody that contributed a lot to what Shooting Stars is today and to the Nigerian national team.
[/size]"In 1983, 3SC undertook a tour of the North in preparation for the 1983 football season. We played with Kaduna United Football and that was when Segun Odegbami and I discovered and brought him to Ibadan.
[/size]"Since then he had grown to be the biggest star when it comes to goal scoring in this country and he never looked back. We are going to miss him. Nigeria is going to miss him. We will continue to pray for the family he left behind.
[/size]"In 2010 World Cup Lulu’s administration sent me to him. We wanted to make him one of Nigeria’s soccer ambassadors in South Africa but he turned down the offer."
[/size]The Kwara State government said it received the news of his death with great shock and disbelief.
[/size]It described him as one of the finest and dedicated footballers Nigeria has ever produced.
[/size]Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba said: "During his active days the late Yekini demonstrated uncommon skills on the field of play and commitment to the Nigeria project that he was known not only in Nigeria but across the Africa as a great footballer. He will surely be missed at a time when his experience is needed to move Nigeria football to the next level".
[/size]He, however, said that the family should be comforted that the late striker has a place in history.
[/size]Before his remains were interred at back of his father’s house, the Chief Imam of Irra Central Mosque performed the burial prayers.
[/size]Some of Yekini’s colleagues in the national team including Ike Shorunmu and Ademola Adesina, attended the burial.
[/size]The Kwara State Commissioner for Sports, Prince Tunji Morounfoye regretted that Yekini died in penury.Speaking on a radio programme, he said: "It is a pity. It is quite unfortunate that Rashidi Yekini died in penury. He must have been depressed before his death."
[/size]The commissioner urged Nigerians and the government to see it a duty "to always remember our heroes".
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TheNation
Quoting the Kwara State Commissioner for Sports, Prince Tunji Morounfoye, Yekini died in penury. That is a sad situation for person who served the nation in his own capacity (football). R.I.P Rashidi Yekini!!!