Sports
NFF, CAF Mourn Yekini
The Nigeria Football Federation at the weekend expressed sadness and sorrow at the death of Nigeria’s record goalscorer Rashidi Yekini.
Yekini, who scored 37 goals in 58 appearances for the Super Eagles between 1983 and 1998, died after a brief illness in Oshogbo, Osun State on Friday.
In London, United Kingdom for the launching of a foundation by another former international, John Chukwudi Utaka, which took place yesterday, NFF President Aminu Maigari said that Yekini’s death was “very, very sad”.
By a mile the most outstanding striker Nigeria has ever produced, Yekini loomed large in 15 years of meritorious and unconditional service his to country, during which he won the Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze and played at two World Cups.
The country’s football family was thrown into tremendous shock as news filtered in on Friday evening about Yekini’s death, as the man kept completely away from the spotlight and would only relate to only a few people, and therefore details of his sickness were shrouded in secrecy.
Nicknamed ‘Goalsfather’, the lanky striker’s first major tournament for Nigeria was at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. He then played at the 1988, 1990, 1992 and 1994 finals, his five goals in the 1994 tournament in Tunisia earning Nigeria the gold medal and trophy for only the second time.
His sterling all-round performance in 1993, which ensured Nigeria qualified for the World Cup for the first time, earned Yekini the African Footballer of the Year award in 1993. He was awarded the trophy inside the Hotel Abou Nawas, Tunis, on the margin of the Cup of Nations finals; the first to be organised by CAF.
In 1994, Yekini became the first Nigerian to score at the World Cup, when he connected a pass from Finidi George to put Nigeria in front against Bulgaria inside the Cotton Bowl, Dallas, United States of America.
Yekini also played for Nigeria at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, during which he scored Nigeria’s only goal in the tournament – in the 1-3 loss to Yugoslavia.
The Nigeria Football Federation was represented at his burial in Ira, Kwara State on Saturday by member of the Executive Committee, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju, Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Alhaji Busari Ishola, the Chairman of NFF Match Commissioners’ Appointment Committee and former Kwara FA Chairman, Chief Kunle Adesiyun, and the Executive Secretary of Nigeria National League Ayo Rahaman.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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