The President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s ex-international, Rashidi Yekini.
Jonathan, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said that Yekini, who is being buried about now in his hometown, Ira in Kwara State, said the 48-year-old displayed loyalty to the country throughout his playing career.
The statement reads: “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with sadness the news of the death of Nigeria’s ace football striker, Rashidi Yekini at the age of 48.
“The President who described Yekini’s death as untimely and unfortunate, noted that Nigeria would forever remember his superlative performances especially at the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 1994 and the World Cup in the United States in 1994.
“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,” the President recalled, adding that Yekini also “epitomised patriotism, discipline, hard work, commitment and humility.”
President Jonathan while expressing regret that illness might have held Yekini down from imparting his football expertise and skills to the younger generation of footballers after his retirement from active play, enjoined his family, fans and Nigerians to continue to cherish the memories of the highpoints of Yekini’s career.
The President also commiserated with the Yekini family, the government and people of Kwara State and all football enthusiasts, and prayed God Almighty to grant the bereaved the fortitude to bear the painful loss and peace to the soul of one of Nigeria’s most prolific footballers.
A former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said the death of Yekini was a huge loss to the country, considering his invaluable role in putting Nigeria on the map in terms of international soccer fame and glory.
Reacting to Yekini’s death in a statement in Abuja on Saturday by his Media Office, Abubakar said that the late Super Eagles’ prolific scorer was a rare star that dominated his game, forcing even his rivals into silent admiration of his mercurial skills.
According to the former PDP presidential aspirant, Yekini’s single-minded commitment to excellence propelled him to stardom beyond his wildest dreams of glory.
With 34 goals in 54 appearances for the Super Eagles, Abubakar said the late goal king left no one in doubt of his incredible skills in the beautiful game.
He called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to immortalise the late footballer.
While praying God to grant Yekini eternal rest in peace, Abubakar also wished his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Kwara State Government also said it received with great shock and disbelieve the sudden and untimely death of one of the most finest and dedicated football player Nigeria has ever produced.
During his active days the late Yekini, according to a statement, demonstrated uncommon skills on the field of play and commitment to the Nigeria project that his was known not only in Nigeria but across the Africa continent 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.
The state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, however, said that the family should be comforted that the late striker has a place in history.
“On behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Kwara I condole with his family and the sporting world on this monumental loss of an illustrious son.”
The Supervising Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said he is saddened by the shocking and untimely death of Yekini.
Abdullahi noted that Yekini was one of the greatest footballers in Nigeria’s history, recalling his exploits at the Nations Cup in Tunisia ‘94 and his goal at the USA ’94 World Cup.
“He was a great Nigerian and great asset,” the minister said.
“Although he is dead, I am sure his memory will live forever. There’s no doubt that when the story of Nigerian football is written, his name will feature prominently.”
Abdullahi commiserates with his family and prays that God will give them the fortitude to bear the loss.