The Governor of Kwara State Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has promised to host the 1994 Super Eagles in recognition of their role in lifting the image of the country and to keep the memory of late Rashidi Yekini alive.
The Governor made this pledge while on a visit to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare where they also discussed prospects in youth and sports development and areas of mutual collaboration.
Governor Abdulrazaq announced that progress had been made to immortalize late Nigerian football icon Rashidi Yekini by naming the Kwara State Sports Complex Stadium, Ilorin, after him.
“We will send a bill to the State House of Assembly to immortalize Rashidi Yekini with the name of the stadium changing, after the approval,” Governor Abdulrazaq said.
The Minister reminded the Governor of the series of letters that had been written to the Kwara State Government to immortalize Yekini with the naming of the stadium after the late football legend.
Governor Abdulrahman said he was a passionate follower of the USA ‘94 Super Eagles squad.
Also Read: Kwara Governor Visits Sports Minister, Renames Stadium After Yekini
“I was at the stadium in the
US when Daniel Amokachi scored what seemed to be the best goal against Greece. It was quite memorable for me as an ardent lover of the game of football. After that goal, I fell in love with Jersey “Number 14” which Daniel Amokachi aka “The Bull”, wore.
After the tournament, I knew it will
be difficult to produce these set of great and committed footballers.”
The Governor said he was looking forward to hosting the USA ‘94
Squad in Ilorin, to relive the memory of late Yekini who hailed from Ira Local Area of Kwara State.
The Special Assistant Sports to the President, Daniel Amokachi said he was excited that the Governor had deemed it fit to rename the Kwara State Stadium after his late teammate, even as he was looking forward to the Governor hosting the team.
The USA ‘94 squad was ranked the 5th best team in the world by FIFA following their impressive performance which saw them beat Greece and Bulgaria before losing to Italy.
In his response, Mr. Dare urged the Governor to sustain his support for sports development, noting that sports helps in reducing social vices.
“I want to thank His Excellency for hosting our biggest youth games in Ilorin, your Excellency we are coming to Ilorin again because of the facilities at the University of Ilorin. I love the fact that His Excellency loves sports. I encourage you to invest more in sports,” Dare said.
