Rashidi Yekini etched his name into global football history on June 21, 1994, by scoring Nigeria’s first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup tournament. During a group stage match against Bulgaria at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, the prolific striker slotted home a close-range cross from Finidi George, triggering one of the most iconic goal celebrations in World Cup history.
Caught on camera weeping passionately while clutching the inside of the net, Yekini’s raw emotion symbolized the immense pride of Nigerian association football reaching the world stage.
A Legendary Goalscoring Record
Born in Kaduna in 1963, Yekini began his professional career in the Nigerian league before achieving legendary status abroad, notably with the Portuguese club Vitória de Setúbal, where he was crowned the African Footballer of the Year in 1993.
He retired from international play having netted 37 goals in 62 appearances for the Super Eagles, a record that stood firmly as Nigeria’s all-time highest goal tally until his passing on May 4, 2012.