Gateway FC to retire jersey number 9 in honour of Yekini

The club’s Media Officer, Biodun Alabi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday on telephone that the action was one of the ways to immortalise the former Super Eagles striker. NAN reports that Yekini, who died on May 4, played for the club in 2005 when he made a short comeback to the […]

The club’s Media Officer, Biodun Alabi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday on telephone that the action was one of the ways to immortalise the former Super Eagles striker.

NAN reports that Yekini, who died on May 4, played for the club in 2005 when he made a short comeback to the Nigerian football league.

The all-time Nigerian senior national team goal scorer had played for the Nigerian National League club then in the Nigerian Premier League.

He, however, after a year bowed out from the club and active football.

The retirement of a jersey number is a practice common among sports teams, and it is a way of honouring a former player, either late or living.

“Our club is planning to retire the number nine jersey Yekini wore while he was with us, and this is because of the role he played as a player, a leader and motivator of the young ones.

“He played for Gateway in both the Premier League and the FA Cup in 2005, scoring seven goals in 26 matches.

“He was such a humble player, who inspired others, and he was a shining example with his work rate and attitude to training,’’ Alabi told NAN.

The media officer said that the club had already opened a condolence register in memory of the player who was very popular in Abeokuta, one of the four Nigerian cities where he played his football.

NAN reports that Yekini had played for both the Gateway FC and the defunct Abiola Babes FC in Abeokuta, where he thrilled fans with his striking skills.

He also played for the defunct UNTL FC in Kaduna, IICC Shooting Stars FC (now 3SC) in Ibadan, and Julius Berger FC in Lagos. (NAN)