The Rashidi Yekini I knew – Tijani Babangida

Speaking on the life and times of Yekini, the former Ajax man said although Yekini was his senior in age, they grew up together in Kaduna and he was one of the players who was closest to the Kwara State born legend. He told Fever Pitch that they both played for UNTL Kaduna and despite […]

Speaking on the life and times of Yekini, the former Ajax man said although Yekini was his senior in age, they grew up together in Kaduna and he was one of the players who was closest to the Kwara State born legend.

He told Fever Pitch that they both played for UNTL Kaduna and despite the age difference between them, Yekini made him his special friend as he ensured he (Babangida) got the necessary protection and guidance.

Babangida said the death of Yekini came to him as a rude shock but expressed hope that the departed would find peace in the bossom of God.

His words: “Yekini and I grew up together in Kaduna. Although he was my senior by age, we played in the same local club and eventually meet in the Super Eagles of 1998. Even in Eagles I was very very close to him. I think apart from Ike Shoromun, I was the closest person to him.

“In the Super Eagles, we were always room mate and whenever match bonuses were paid, he would sign and collect on my behalf. He was like my friend and guardian.

“I remember when he was with UNTL, he was given a motorbike after the club won the league and he would always give me a ride on it”.

Babangida also spoke of the private life of the late Yekini as he said he was a perfect gentleman who was difficult to understand by those who were not close to him.

He said many people considered Yekini a difficult guy because he would always keep to himself, thereby making it hard for many people to know what he was up to. For those of us who interacted closely with him, he was nice to a fault. Unfortunately, his last days were not anything to make anyone happy. I will certainly miss him”, said Babangida.