Wednesday, May 9, 2012

FIFA send their condolences for Rashidi Yekini's passing


World football governing body, FIFA, yesterday condoled with Nigeria and the nation's football family over the death last Friday of the country's football legend Rashidi Yekini.


In a condolence message to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter described Yekini as a legend, who was a great figure at the US 94 World Cup.


Blatter, who expressed sadness over the death, said the world's football family would no doubt miss the former Super Eagles striker.


"It is with great sadness that I write to you today having learned of the passing away of the former Nigerian striker, Rasheed Yekini at the age of 48.


"I remember Rasheed Yekini well. He scored nearly 40 goals as a Nigerian international, and represented the nation in five major tournaments, including two FIFA World Cups. He was also named the African Footballer of the Year in 1993.


"Rasheed Yekini is one of the great figures at the FIFA World Cup 1994 in the United States. He scored his first ever for his country against Bulgaria. This goal secures his place as a legend in the annals of Nigerian football history. Rasheed Yekini will be sorely missed.


"On behalf of FIFA and the whole worldwide family of football, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to you, to everyone at the Nigerian football Federation and, most importantly, to the family of Rasheed Yekini, his friends and loved ones", Blatter stated.


Daily Trust


Related stories: Rashidi Yekini's mother says her son had been suffering from mental illness since 2010 


Nigerian football Legend Rashidi Yekini - Dead at 48 




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