Rashidi Yekini is extra than simply Nigeria’s all-time main goalscorer, he’s a legend who helped outline an period of Nigerian soccer.
Who can simply neglect Yekini’s iconic celebration on the 1994 FIFA World Cup? Yekini’s legacy lies within the moments he created and the satisfaction he delivered to Nigeria.
Based mostly on information from the Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) and verified data, Yekini ranks Twentieth on the checklist of Africa’s all-time worldwide aim scorers.
He scored 37 objectives in 62 appearances for the Tremendous Eagles, a report that also stands as the very best by any Nigerian footballer, though everybody hopes Napoli-owned ahead Victor Osimhen will eclipse the report or surpass it.
On the prime of the all-time checklist is Zambia’s Godfrey Chitalu, who scored 79 objectives in 111 appearances. Malawi’s Kinnah Phiri comes subsequent with 71 objectives, adopted by Egypt’s Hossam Hassan with 68.
The highest ten additionally options huge names like Didier Drogba, Mohamed Salah, Samuel Eto’o, Asamoah Gyan, Abdoulaye Traoré, Islam Slimani, and Sadio Mané.
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Though Yekini doesn’t seem within the prime ten by whole objectives, his effectivity stands out. His goals-per-game ratio of 0.60 locations him among the many most medical strikers in African worldwide soccer historical past.
Yekini’s legacy goes far past his place on an inventory. He performed an important position in Nigeria’s golden technology, particularly throughout their victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations marketing campaign.
Throughout all his AFCON appearances, he scored 13 objectives, which makes him the third-highest scorer within the match’s historical past, solely behind Samuel Eto’o (18) and Laurent Pokou (14).
One in all his most memorable contributions got here throughout the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the US, the place he scored Nigeria’s first-ever aim within the match.
Yekini’s Twentieth-place rating could appear modest, however his significance can’t be overstated. He delivered when it mattered most, and his contributions proceed to resonate many years after he final wore the inexperienced and white.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports activities journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a confirmed observe report in conducting interviews with Tremendous Eagles stars similar to William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Brilliant Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and plenty of others. He has additionally made a big impression in breaking switch information tales.
Grounded in video modifying, video journalism, social media administration, and content material technique, Ayomide brings a wealth of experience to his work.