Former Nigerian international, Adokiye Amiesimaka who was part of the Nigeria team that won the Africa Cup of Nations 1980 has described Rashidi Yekini’s death as the most tragic thing that can happen to Nigerian football.

“(It is) so sad. For such a heroic ex-international player; scorer of Nigeria’s first World Cup goal (and a classic “Nigerian goal” for that matter from build-up that incorporated speedy wing-play to clinical finish); winner of Africa Player of the Year Award,” Amiesimaka  said.

Yekini was severally reported to be ill for an extended period of time. In 2011, the local media was been awash with stories of his failing health, he was said to have suffered from bipolar disorder, depression and some other undisclosed neurological defect.

“The apparent lack of national interest in the reported disturbing state of his well-being in the last couple of years was very unfortunate.

“The issue of many of our star athletes and sports ambassadors and their challenges in later life calls for serious discussion,” he concluded.