ADIEU ‘YEKING’ (1964-2012)
An Iroko is known in Yoruba land as a tall flamboyant tree. It is about the tallest of its kind. In fact, its height bestowed it the popularity it enjoys till today. When it falls over, it is hard to ignore the space it used to occupy. You cannot but notice its absence.
The demise of Nigeria's all-time record goalscorer and Super Eagles ex-striker, the prodigious Rashidi Yekini on May 4, 2012, annotates the above illustration. Indeed, it is one loss too many.
I was on a vacation and had retired to Abuja a week earlier after a tour of its adjoining states. The announcement started like a fabrication; I kept mum because it was not a story to make a joke of. It soon became real. A rude shock especially the actuality that it came at a time the nation was yet to recover from the broadcast of the assassination of Governor Adams Oshiomole's principal private secretary, Mr Olaitan Oyerinde in the wee hours of that morning. On receiving, I immediately got in touch with the editor of Nigeria's first online magazine, LEE, Kehinde Ajose; he corroborated the story. Not satisfied, I put calls through to other friends in the media including Folarin Ajayi and Joshua Ewere; the gist was same. Before an hour or two, it was trending on all social networks. Even search engine, Wikipedia had updated its profile of Yekini. I felt terrible. It was my birthday; losing a Legend and fellow countryman who featured in my favorite ball game was not part of my wishes.
He was a committed player who devoted his time and energy to the round-leather game. Perhaps heavens rewarded his hardwork when he scored Nigeria's first ever World Cup goal in USA '94. He was named African Footballer of the year in 1993 and was top scorer when we won the Cup of Nations in 1994. He also appeared at the 1998 World Cup.
But we all played a part in his death. Yes, you and I. Clearly, I recall sometime in 2010, a national daily did a report on Yekini. The author called on the Ministry of Sports and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to reach out to him as he was said to be in a compromised mental state. His neighbours complained that he was isolating himself, electing to remain alone in his apartment for most of the time. Many of them were of the opinion that relevant authorities should come to his aid; “I think his problem is psychological, he needs help”, a respondent declared.
This is Nigeria and I tend to forget. As usual, it is another period statements are released to the press for publication. People will gladly grant interviews so we can see/hear of their sympathy-some preposterous. They will speak glowingly of his life and times. Already, government officials and other personalities, including those who knew about Mr Yekini's predicament are paying tributes. Sadly, this is not enough. Must we wait until our shinning lights die before we show care? No wonder a number of our sportsmen and women are leaving the shores of the country in droves. In reality, not a few have accepted citizenship of their host countries. I do not fault them. Is there a person that will choose for bitter leaf above honey? I strongly doubt.
Yeking was a incontrovertibly humble soul. In 2005 (at 41 years of age), he did come out of retirement briefly. He joined the local league, appearing for Gateway United FC of Ogun state -albeit a short spell. In his reaction, the president of Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou spoke accurately; “His physical strength made him an endearing character. He made a mark on his generation and received recognition from the pantheon of African football''.
In the early nineties during my primary education at Starlight Nursery and Primary School in Orile, Lagos, my love for Yekini landed me in trouble. My class teacher was reading out our names and position attained for the outgoing term. Out of 42 pupils, yours truly came 9th. Throwing caution in the wind, I barged from my seat and bellowed "Rashidi Yekini...Nigeriaaa!". Then I crowned it by mimicking his exact frenzy after he scored the opening goal against Bulgaria at USA '94, the net-clutching celebration. My 'uncle' did not take it lightly, he deposited some merciless strokes on my buttocks. My guts turned tears. However, I never regretted that single action. I felt honoured to have been 'persecuted' for daring to be like my hero.
Undoubtedly, an Iroko has fallen. Till we meet to part no more, Adieu Rashidi 'Yeking' Yekini. Rest In Peace.
By Wale Odunsi