The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), on Wednesday remembered Nigeria's late ex-international, Rasheed Yekini, four years after his death.
In a statement on the world football governing body's website, it looked back on his memorable goal which became historic and the subsequent celebration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that Yekini, who is Nigeria's highest goal scorer (37 goals) till date, died of illness on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48.
He entered history books after scoring the Super Eagles' first ever FIFA World Cup goal at the 1994 finals held in the U.S. in the 3-0 group stage win over Bulgaria.
"Yekini, who played for several clubs in Spain, Greece, Portugal and Switzerland, could hardly believe he had scored and spontaneously grabbed the net, shaking it and crying in celebration.
"The photo of the Nigerian international captivated the world and even today the former striker remains a respected figure in the global football family'', the statement added.
NAN reports that Yekini, who represented the nation in five major tournaments, including two World Cups, was the first Nigerian to be voted African Footballer of the Year in 1993.
He helped the Super Eagles to win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, where he also topped the goal charts and was named best player of the competition.
He also participated at the Olympic level in Seoul in 1988.
Tweets by the NFF about the late striker using the hashtag #WeRememberYekini elicited tribute from many other Nigerians, who in turn recalled the Yekini's finest moments and the impact the Eagles had during his time.
To mark the fourth anniversary of his passing FIFA on its part looked back on his career "his memorable goal and subsequent celebration" at the 1994 World Cup.
After scoring the first goal in a 3-0 win over Bulgaria, Yekini had grabbed the net and shook it vigorously.
To mark the fourth anniversary of his passing, FIFA in a post on its website looked back on his career, "his memorable goal and subsequent celebration".
"The photo of the 58-time Nigeria international captivated the world and even today the former striker, who in 1993 was the first Nigerian to be voted African Footballer of the Year, remains a respected figure in the global football family," it said.
It also quoted comments made by former FIFA President, Sepp Blatter after he learnt of Yekini's death.
"Rasheed Yekini was one of the best players at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA. Against Bulgaria he scored Nigeria's first ever FIFA World Cup goal, a strike that will earn him a place in the annals of Nigerian football. He will be sorely missed," Blatter was quoted as saying.
Some Nigerians, however, felt the NFF should have done more to honour him while he was alive.
Some expressed the view that more should be done to honour and remember him for his heroics.
