Who Is Nigeria's Highest Goal Scorer?

Nigeria is one of the most football-crazy nations in the world, where football is not just a sport but a way of life. Nigerian footballers have made a name for themselves in the international football arena, and many of them have been the highest goal scorers for their respective clubs and countries. In this article, we will dive into the history of Nigerian football and discover who holds the title of Nigeria's highest goal scorer.

The Beginnings of Nigerian Football

Football was introduced to Nigeria by British colonialists in the early 1900s. The game quickly gained popularity among the locals, and in 1945, the Nigerian Football Association was formed. The first Nigerian football club, the Lagos Marines, was also established around this time.

The Golden Era of Nigerian Football

The 1990s are considered the golden era of Nigerian football. The Nigerian national team, nicknamed the Super Eagles, won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and 2013. They also qualified for the FIFA World Cup three times in a row, in 1994, 1998, and 2002, and reached the round of 16 in 1994 and 1998.

The Highest Goal Scorer for Nigeria

When it comes to the highest goal scorer for Nigeria, it is none other than Rashidi Yekini. Born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Yekini began his football career with the UNTL Kaduna and then moved on to the Abiola Babes.

In 1984, Yekini made his debut for the Nigerian national team and went on to score a total of 37 goals in 58 appearances. He is considered one of the greatest African footballers of all time and was the first Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year award in 1993.

Rashidi Yekini's Achievements

Yekini's achievements are numerous, and he has left a lasting legacy in Nigerian football. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments:

1. Highest Goal Scorer in the Nigerian National Team

As previously mentioned, Yekini scored a total of 37 goals in 58 appearances for the Nigerian national team. He is still the highest goal scorer for Nigeria to this day.

2. Top Scorer in the Nigerian Professional Football League

In the 1985/1986 season of the Nigerian Professional Football League, Yekini finished as the top scorer with 17 goals.

3. Goals for Portugal's Vitória de Setúbal

Yekini played for Vitória de Setúbal in Portugal from 1990 to 1994 and scored an impressive 34 goals in 32 appearances.

4. CAF Champions League Title with Africa Sports

In 1992, Yekini played for Africa Sports in Côte d'Ivoire and helped the team win the CAF Champions League.

5. Golden Boot at the 1994 African Cup of Nations

Yekini was the top scorer at the 1994 African Cup of Nations with five goals and helped Nigeria win the tournament.

The Legacy of Rashidi Yekini

Yekini passed away on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48, but his legacy lives on. He is still considered one of Nigeria's greatest footballers of all time and his name is synonymous with Nigerian football.

In 2013, the Nigerian Football Federation inaugurated the Rashidi Yekini Foundation in his honour, which aims to promote grassroots football development in Nigeria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rashidi Yekini is the highest goal scorer for Nigeria, with a total of 37 goals in 58 appearances for the national team. He had an illustrious career, with achievements that are still talked about today. Yekini will forever be remembered as a Nigerian football legend, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Nigerian footballers.