Rashidi Yekini Lives On, The Hero Spirit of 1994

They came, picked him alive and days later, his death was announced. He was picked by his own people he avoided, apparently having a foreknowledge they would someday kill him. 

They said he is suffering from psychosis, yet he knew the time to watch European Champions League matches. At least he knew when to switch on his generating set ahead of the matches. Losing his mind didn't stop him from going to the stadium, neither did it stop him from keeping fit.

The last public appearance Ibadan saw of him was when they came to 'abduct' him in front of his house near the Children's Hospital in Ring Road. The man they said was mad and needed attention alighted from his car to open his gate when they pounced on him. 

If he was indeed mad, how come he drove himself around town and never got involved in any accident? 

Only those who took him for treatment know what they did to him. In saner climes, there would have been consequences. 

He would have been 55 today. But no matter what, the achievements he left cannot be wished away. 

The king of goals, Rashidi Yekini...  YeKing, Vitoria Setubal will never forget, Nigeria can never forget her first World Cup goal ever and the celebration that followed it. 

Greetings to Samuel Okwaraji, tell him the sacrifice he made for Nigeria  can never be adequately paid for. Greet Skippo, Stephen Keshi, say hello to Osaro Obabaifo, tell Uche Okafor we miss him and Wilfred Agbonavbare.

Tell them our new Eagles look forward to surpassing the achievements recorded by your  golden generation.

Credit: Wole Adejumo