Rashidi Yekini: Late footballer’s daughter graduates from university on father’s posthumous birthday

Omoyemi Yekini, the second daughter of Nigeria’s highest scoring footballer, Rashidi Yekini, may not have toed the path of her deceased father, but in terms of academic excellence she is making him proud in his grave.

In what has become a talk on cyberspace, the late goal-king’s daughter successfully completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and she was one of the graduands as her university – University of Ilorin held its 2019 convocation ceremony in style.

And coincidentally, Omoyemi was receiving her degree certificate the same day her late father Rashidi was posthumously celebrated as he clocked 56 years, evoking memories of affection from Nigerians.

Late Rashidi was born on October 23, 1963 in Kaduna, though of Yoruba parents from Kwara state. He began his professional football career spanning two decades at 17 for UNTL Kaduna 1981 before moving to Portugal.

As a player of Portuguese side, Vitória de Setúbal, he created memorable years and eventually became the Primeira Liga’s top scorer in the 1993–94 season with 21 goals.

Internationally, he made 58 appearances for Nigeria, scoring 37 goals— a record no player has broken up till date. He scored Nigeria’s first ever World Cup goal in a 3–0 win against Bulgaria at USA ’94.

Besides, he was the first Nigerian to win the African footballer of the year award in 1993. Celebrating Omoyemi on her academic achievement, Nigerians on micro-blogging platform Twitter have not ceased talking about the sweet-bitter memories of the day.

”Former Super Eagles goals-father, Rashidi Yekini would’ve been 56 years old yesterday but he would turn in his grave a proud man knowing that his beloved daughter, Omoyemi is now a graduate of English,” Godwin Enakhena, a social media user said. ”Congratulations girl. The world at your feet,” he congratulated.

Tweet Below:

Former Super Eagles goals-father, Rashidi Yekini would’ve been 56 years old yesterday but he would turn in his grave a proud man knowing that his beloved daughter, Omoyemi is now a graduate of English. Congratulations girl. The world at your feet. pic.twitter.com/7rbpkFFZC3

— Godwin Enakhena (@genakhena) October 24, 2019