THE VERY SAD LAST DAYS OF "YEKING"

 

NIGERIA'S goal king and one-time African Footballer of the Year, Rashidi Yekini, is dead. His remains will be buried today at Ira, Kwara State.

It was gathered that he died in the early hours of yesterday at a private hospital after what had been described as prolong mental disorder. After he left football he could not find his feet, he lived a solitary life and was mostly unhappy. Yekini had been taken out of his Ibadan residence by relatives when it was obvious that he was finding life difficult. He had been ill and about two weeks ago, some relatives of his came to carry so that he could get proper treatment.



Last year, a report of his estate which was overgrown with weeds and the condition of his abnormal behaviour was widely reported in the media. The ex-national team player popular known as ‘gangling’ has been living a recluse life; he has been living alone without all the wives and the children. He had three wives and children.

 

For a man who relentlessly served his land with his talent, this should not his story; Yekini lived in almost abject poverty and seclusion till he died. He died an abandoned and forgotten hero. Fine! The government failed in its responsibility to take care of him as a national legend, fine! He probably did not invest wisely when he had the money and opportunity. However, the truth is he had friends, relatives, and national teammates, he had acquaintances in the state government house. It is a pity he died in such a state.



He was Nigeria’s national record goal scorer, netting37 goals in 58 appearances. He represented Nigeria at the 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994 Africa Nations Cup finals. He also represented Nigeria at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. Yekini played for Nigeria at the USA'94 and France'98 World Cups finals. In 1993, he was crowned African Footballer Of The Year; the first time a Nigerian would be so honoured.

 

Adieu Yeking!

 

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