Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has described the sudden death of former Super Eagles player and coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, as tragic and a monumental loss to football in Nigeria, Africa and the entire world.
The Governor in a tribute and condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, extolled the leadership qualities and sterling contributions of the former Super Eagles Captain and Coach to the growth and development of football in Nigeria and Africa.
According to Okowa, the sterling contributions of Stephen Keshi to the development of football in Nigeria and Africa is legendary, commendable and worthy of emulation as a great patriot and achiever having led Nigeria to win the African Nations Cup twice as a player and Coach.
Okowa said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the family of the late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, and the entire football loving fans in Nigeria over the demise of the late Super Eagles former Captain and Coach.
“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 of the Super Eagles in those glorious years culminating in the winning of the African Nations Cup.
“Delta State and indeed Nigerians has lost a great man whose contributions to the football world can best be described as legendary.”
“He will be sorely missed by all and sundry whose lives he affected in several ways. I therefore urge all who mourn the demise of Stephen Keshi to take solace in the fact that his was a life of great accomplishments and service to humanity in which we give thanks to the Almighty God for the indelible footprints of his achievements in the sands of time.”
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) also sent condolences to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and football stakeholders in Nigeria following the death of the country’s former player and coach.
TFF president, Jamal Malinzi, says the continent and the world had lost a great member of the football family. Malinzi said Keshi’s knowledge, leadership, mentorship and general understanding of the game would be missed the world over.
“The TFF wishes to send its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former Nigerian head coach Stephen Keshi who passed on early Wednesday.
“Keshi’s understanding and knowledge of the game will greatly be missed not only on the African continent but world over. “His untimely death has robbed the footballing world of a true legend, mentor, leader, believer and master of the game,” the TFF boss said.
NFF President Amaju Pinnick on Thursday led a delegation of some eminent persons in the country’s football to commiserate with the family of former Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, who died on Wednesday.
With Pinnick were Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Tony Okowa, chairmen of the Football Associations of Edo and Bayelsa States, Frank Ilaboya and Porbeni Ogun respectively, and renowned marketing consultant, Mike Itemuagbor.
There were also the General Manager of NPFL club Warri Wolves, Moses Etu, former Super Eagles captain Austin Eguavoen and a number of ex –international players.
The delegation was received by late Keshi’s brother-in-law, Ricky Aburimen and cousin, Ebuka Ofonye.
Pinnick delivered a condolence letter to the family, and reiterated that the NFF Board will soon meet to consider the most befitting way to immortalize the former Nigeria captain and coach.
