The Kwara state football association on Monday, joined millions of football enthusiasts around the globe in paying emotional tribute to late Super Eagles striker, Rashidi Yekini on the 8th anniversary of his death.
Malam Idris Musa Abdullahi, Chairman of state FA, in a release made available through Bolaji Lawal (Kwara FA Head of Media & Publicity), describe Yekini as one of the country most beloved players an embodied a true reflection of a Nigeria footballer.
He revealed his led board will proposed to the state government to rename the state stadium in Ilorin after Yekini as part of efforts to Immortalized his contributions to Nigeria Football and memory of his death, while also confirming a football competition is in the piepline for local clubs in the state.
The statement also noted the FA will continue to admonish further support for Rashidi’s family through the football industry, Kwara state government and other possible channels.
Late Rashidi Yekini, was Nigeria all time goalscorer with 37 goals from 58 appearances, died from a brief illness at age 48 on May 4, 2012. He scored the country first ever FIFA world cup goal at the 1994 finals held in United States during a 3-0 group stage win over Bulgaria.
Yekini represented the nation in five major tournaments, including two World cups and was the first Nigerian to be voted Africa footballer of the year in 1993.
His club career began with Shooting Stars and went to play in Europe, notably Spain, Greece, Portugal and Switzerland before returning to play in the Nigeria League.