The late Nigerian striker Rashidi Yekini’s daughter, Omoyemi Yekini, has said though her may be dead, his legacy continues to live on and she believes in her heart he is still alive.
While speaking with Saturday Sun in an interview Omoyemi appreciated the Nigerian Football Federation for honoring her dad at this year’s NFF award. She also spoke on how the family has been coping since her father’s demise
Read excerpts from the interview below:
How the family has been coping since his death
Well, let me start by saying God has been so wonderful to my sister and I. I never believed I would go far in life without my dad. Although I am an easy going type. Even when he was alive, I stood on my feet and faced life challenges the way I thought they should be tackled.
No doubt, his death still rings bell in my ears. I still see him and feel his impact. I see him in the sense that most of his advice and prayer have kept me alive. I’m not talking about an outsider, I’m talking about the man who gave birth to me. If I keep talking about his impact in my life, I won’t stop being emotional.
On how she felt about the NFF honoring Rashid Yekini at this year’s AITEO NFF award.
I feel greet. In short, I want to thank the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF team. I’m happy my dad’s legacy still stands. There are lots of heroes who have been forgotten. I’m glad such never happened to my dad. The award will also be kept in the museum.
If he were alive, he would have cherished it more than I do, but I still give thanks to God I’m alive to represent him. I’m sure he will be proud wherever he is. I still believe he is alive and I’m dedicating it to God on his behalf.
On why she is not playing football
Although I love watching football, I don’t think I can play it because it’s a game of contact where injury can occur at any time. Education is the best legacy; dad never went to school, that’s why he ventured more on getting us educated.
He never forced us to play football. Assuming he did while he was alive, it would have been a different case. But, if any of my children wants to play football, I will give him/her maximum support.
