19 Kiridim

Mohammad Ali visit to Ichie's palace in 1982. His Royal Highness, Igwe C.O Nebe, The Ichie of Awka kingdom - welcomes the world heavyweight champion to his palace. Shown in the picture is Ali shaking hands with the Ichie of Awka. The Ichie of Awka was the first king of Awka, who was recalled by Awka people to come home and become the first king in 1959. He served Awka, with numerous achievements for his people until his last day in 1984 (25 years).

On Friday 4 May 2012, at the age of 48, Rasheed Yekini passed away after a brief but serious illness. Nigeria’s record goalscorer (37 goals) ensured his name went down in the history books when he scored the Super Eagles’ first ever FIFA World Cup™ goal at the 1994 finals in the USA in the 3-0 group stage win over Bulgaria.  FIFA.com looks back on his memorable goal and subsequent celebration. 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 in 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.  “Rasheed Yekini was one of the best players at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA,” said former FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter when he learned of Yekini’s death. “Against B

Heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali visited Nigeria in June 1964. A controversial and polarizing figure during his early career, he remains the only three-time lineal World Heavyweight Champion which he won in 1964, 1974, and 1978.