Thirteen years after the passing of Nigerian football icon Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria National League side Gateway United Football Club has joined fans, family, and the wider football community in remembering and celebrating the enduring legacy of the legendary striker.

 

Yekini, who remains Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorer with 37 goals for the Super Eagles, passed away on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48. To this day, he is revered not only as a prolific forward but also as a symbol of inspiration for generations of young Nigerian footballers.

 

Reflecting on Yekini’s remarkable career — which included a brief but memorable stint at Gateway United in 2005 — Acting General Manager Niyi Soleye paid glowing tribute to the late forward.

 

“Yekini was not only a prolific goalscorer but also a gentleman, admired by teammates and respected by opponents,” said Soleye. “His 37 goals for the Super Eagles remain unmatched — a lasting testament to his incredible talent and dedication.”

 

Soleye, who served as club secretary during Yekini’s time at Gateway United, described the striker’s arrival as a turning point for the club.

 

“I remember his arrival like it was yesterday. Welcoming a player of his stature was a privilege. He blended effortlessly into the team, lifted the spirits of players and fans alike, and brought a new level of belief and professionalism,” he recalled.

 

Yekini’s journey through Nigerian football included spells at Shooting Stars and Abiola Babes, before he rose to international fame with Vitória Setúbal in Portugal and later featured in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where he famously scored Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal.

 

At Gateway United, Yekini teamed up with former Super Eagles teammates Sani Abacha and Jude Edemba. In his 26 appearances for the club, he scored seven goals, leaving a lasting impact on and off the pitch.

 

Though his death under controversial circumstances remains a point of reflection, Yekini’s influence on Nigerian football is undisputed. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Ira, Kwara State, but his legacy continues to resonate.

 

“Yekini is forever a part of our club’s history and of Nigerian football. His name is etched in gold,” Soleye concluded.

 

As tributes pour in across the nation on this solemn anniversary, Gateway United reaffirms its commitment to honoring Yekini’s memory — a legend who, even in death, continues to inspire.