Nigerians mourn Stephen Keshi

Nigerians woke up on Wednesday, to hear the shocking news of the demise of one of the most successful indigenous coaches in Nigeria and Africa at large, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.

Keshi, a former captain and coach of the Super Eagles, ‘The Big Boss,’ won the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) as player and manager in 1994 and 2013, respectively.

Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State governor, described the sudden demise of former Super Eagles player and coach as tragic and a monumental loss to football in Nigeria, Africa and the entire world.

Okowa said: “The remarkable achievements recorded by the Nigeria Super Eagles in 1994 and 2013 were unarguably due to his indefatigable role as the captain and coach.”

Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the sudden death of ex-soccer star as the loss of a national hero and a pacesetter, saying, “It saddens my heart to learn of the stunning news of the death of the golden boy of Nigerian football.

“His departure is more touching when one recalls that Keshi also lost his loving wife of 33 years, Kate, to cancer late last year, thus rendering their young children hapless orphans.”

Emmanuel Amunike, Nigeria U-20 coach, privileged to play with Keshi during his playing days, described him as a true Legend: “Keshi can be described in many ways, but those of us that are privileged to share good moments with him can boldly say that Keshi is a leader, brother that inspired many of us. He encouraged us and inspired to be the best.”

Former defunct Green Eagles assistant coach, Tunde Disu, has urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late Super Eagles coach, because of his achievements for the country, saying, “His achievement in football development is commendable. He should be immortalised because he has achieved a lot.”

Also giving tributes to the late Keshi, Jonathan Akpoborie, former Super Eagles player said: “Keshi was an icon, the first Nigerian professional that went abroad (Belgium) to ply his trade as a footballer; going to Europe, he inspired lots of Nigerian players people, especially me.”

ANTHONY NLEBEM, LAGOS & IDRIS UMAR MOMOH, ASABA