NPL black bands for Yekini

Yekini with Gateway in 2005. Photo: BBC Sport

A minute silence and black arm bands will be worn on Wednesday and Thursday as a mark of honour for former Nigeria international, Rashidi Yekini by Nigeria Premier League (NPL) clubs.

Nigeria's all-time leading scorer, Yekini died last Friday and was buried on Saturday in hometown, Ira in Kwara State.

The 18 Premier League clubs are expected to wear black arm bands and observe a minute silence in honour of the late Super Eagles' striker.

Acting NPL executive secretary, Tunji Babalola, confirmed to SuperSport.com that "the clubs will wear black arm bands and observe one minute silence for Rashidi Yekini, who is a national hero. This will be done tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday when Week 25 games hold."

General manager of 3SC, Mutiu Adepoju told SuperSport.com that the Ibadan club where Yekini played for in the early 1980s will take the lead in paying their respect to the deceased when they play hosts to Niger Tornadoes at the Lekan Salami Stadium this Thursday.

"Rashidi Yekini was just not an ordinary player of 3SC but a legend of the club. There are a lot of plans by the (Oyo) state government in the offing to honour him for his contribution to the club. But as a mark of respect, 3SC and their opponents (Niger Tornadoes) will wear black arm bands and observe a one-minute silence for him.

"I'm sure the (Oyo) state government is planning something that will not only honour him but will have his name immortalised," Adepoju told SuperSport.com.

Eight games will take place in the Nigerian top flight on Wednesday and Thursday as two games have been put off due to continental club games involving Heartland and Warri Wolves.