BY JACOB AJOM
Former national team coach, Christian Chukwu said he was still in shock over the news. "It is a terrible one. I heard it last(Friday) night and it was a shock to me. I never expected to hear that type of news about Yekini. I was his coach to the 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia and we also went to the World Cup.
Rashidi was the greatest striker in the '90s. Once he was in the team you could be sure of getting goals.
"Rashidi Yekini is irreplaceable. Very jovial and very disciplined.
(http://vml1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/YEKINI-RASHIDI.jpg?9d7bd4) (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/05/yekini-is-irreplaceable-chukwu/yekini-rashidi/)Rashidi Yekini He withdrew from public view after his active days and all efforts to revive him proved abortive. We can never have an attacker like him for a very long time to come. I am short of words. All I can say is May God grant him eternal rest.
Chukwu debunked the rumour that some members of the 1994 Super Eagles squad conspired against Yekini and denied him the opportunity of scoring more goals at the World Cup.
"It never happened. Look back at the video of the World Cup match against Bulgaria and you will see how the entire squad celebrated with him. It was a collective effort so credit never went to any particular person. We had a wonderful squad.
"There was no iota of truth about a conspiracy. It never happened. We were a team.
A huge loss – Enitan Oshodi (Lagos State Commissioner for Sports)
Yekini's death is a huge loss to Nigeria. He was the greatest striker of our time. Great scorer, very patriotic, loyal and hardworking. Yekini was a rare gem. Our coaches have a lot to do with the younger players if we must produce another Yekini in Nigeria. Talents are abound
He was exemplary – Sylvanus Okpala (Super Eagles assistant coach and former team mate of late Rashidi Yekini)
"News about Yekini's death got to me as a surprise. That is not the type of news one expect to hear. As a player, I remember Yekin as a very good and deadly striker.
He remains the best striker Nigeria has ever produced.
His conduct was exemplary. Very disciplined and hardworking. I am not sure if Yekini got a yellow card in his playing career. We played together in the national team and at the Olympics. He was always a good player and clinical finisher.
We've lost a star – Erico (Former assistant national team coach)
"We have lost a star, indeed. Once a star grows up, the next thing is that you see him going down. Stars rise and fall. Yekini is gone. I had the opportunity of coaching him in the national team. He keeps your ribs cracking all the time. He was more of a comedian.
A man of the people. It is unfortunate he went into his shell after his playing career. May his soul rest in perfect peace
Vanguard Nigeria