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.”
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.”
