At the time when the world is mourning the demise of Mohamed Ali, death has also robbed us of another great sports icon.
Fifty four year old, former Nigerian coach and captain Stephen Keshi died on Wednesday morning in Benin City, Edo state after a suspected heart attack.
One of the two individuals to win the Africa Cup of Nations both as a manager and player suffered a cardiac arrest before passing on.
A close friend told a West African online publication, TheCable;
He was not ill at all, never showed any signs of illness, but we suspect he never got over the death of his wife
Later, Keshi’s family released an official statement that was signed by Emmanuel Ado that reads;
Stephen Keshi CON has gone to be with his wife. With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Fredrick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi
Our son, brother, father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, has gone to be with his wife of 35 years (Nkem), Mrs. Kate Keshi, who passed on on the 9th December 2015.
Since her death, Keshi has been in mourning. He came back to Nigeria to be with her. He had planned to fly back today Wednesday, before he suffered a cardiac arrest. He has found rest.
We thank God for his life. We want to ask for understanding in this very difficult time for the family
Keshi who has survived with four children lost his wife of 35 years last year after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Keshi, a product of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, started his playing career at a very young age at ACB Football Club, and later played for New Nigeria Bank, Stade d’Abidjan, Africa Sports, Lokeren, Anderlecht, RC Strasbourg, and a host of other clubs.
He represented Nigeria from 1982, at age 20, till 1994, most of the time captaining the Super Eagles and scoring vital goals from his position as a central defender.
He also coached Togo and Nigeria at the World Cup, as well as Mali.
Keshi, nicknamed the “Big Boss” for his leadership skills, is the fifth member of the all-conquering 1994 team to die, following Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini and Wilfred Agbonavbare.
