The NFF: We’ve lost superhero
NFF President Amaju Pinnick was too shocked for words. He could only say: “This is devastating. We have lost a superhero. The NFF Board will meet and decide on the best way to honour Stephen Keshi. We will be fully involved in the arrangements for the final burial rites.”
LMC: He gave the league a boost
A minute silence was observed before the kick-off of Match Day 21 fixtures of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) yesterday while all players wore black armbands in honour of late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.
The directive was issued by the League Management Company (LMC) that described the death of Keshi as a huge loss to African football.
A statement by the LMC described Keshi as “a pathfinder, courageous athlete who remains one of the inspirational stories for young Nigerian and indeed African players’.
The LMC described the late Keshi as one of the players that put the shine on the football league in Nigeria while it was still in amateur stages.
The LMC said: “The exploits of Keshi and his teammates at New Nigerian Bank in the 1980s registered Nigeria as a club football power house after the achievements of IICC Shooting Stars and Rangers International in the 1970’s.
“As the Coach of the Super Eagles, Keshi invested gave a boost to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by tremendous confidence in players from the league whom he took to the Nations Cup in South Africa in 2013 which Nigeria won. His decision showcased the abundant talents that are found in the NPFL and it was one of the biggest endorsements for our players.”
Infantino, Samoura pay tribute
Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) boss, Gianni Infantino and Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, have paid tribute to late ex-Super Eagles coach and captain, Stephen Keshi, reports NaijaSportsXtra.
Infantino said: “I would like to express my deepest sympathy on hearing the news of the loss of the Nigeria great Stephen Keshi. On behalf of the international football community, please allow me to extend my deepest condolences to the football community of Nigeria and, most importantly, to Stephen’s family, friends and love ones. We hope that, in some way, our words of support may help bring a little bit of peace and solace in this time of sadness.”
For the World football Secretary General Fatma Samoura on her twitter handle @ fatma_samoura: “The football family has lost a great member. Heartfelt condolences to family & friends of #StephenKeshi & @ thenff,” the tweet read.
Keshi became the first Nigerian and second African coach to win the African Nations Cup (AFCON) as a coach and player.
CAF, Tanzania, Zambia, others commiserate with NFF over Keshi’s death
President of the Confederation of African Football, Alhaji (Dr.) Issa Hayatou was one of the first senior citizens in world football to commiserate with the NFF and the Nigeria football family over the death of Nigeria legend Stephen Keshi on Wednesday.
In his letter addressed to NFF President Amaju Pinnick, Hayatou wrote: “We have learned with great dismay and immense sadness the passing away of African and Nigerian football legend Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. Even if Stephen Keshi left us too early, he achieved an incredible career, both as a player and as a coach, being one of only two people in African football history, along with Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary, to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player, in Tunisia in 1994, and as a coach, in South Africa in 2013.”
In his own tribute, also addressed to Pinnick, president of the Tanzania Football Federation, Jamal Malinzi wrote: “I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of Nigeria and Africa’s football legend Stephen Keshi. In this sorrowful time, I would like, on behalf of the football community in Tanzania, to extend to you our heartfelt condolences…
“Though he is gone, his service to football has not lasted with his passing as he will always have an everlasting legacy in the game of football.”
Football Association of Zambia president Andrew Kamanga wrote: “It is with deep sense of sorrow to learn of the passing on of your former coach of Nigeria, Mr. Steven Keshi. On behalf of the Executive Committee of the FAZ, the Secretariat staff, the Zambian football fraternity and indeed on my own behalf, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Nigeria football family and indeed Mr. Keshi’s family on the passing on of our beloved colleague.”
Jordaan, Mashaba, Tovey lament Keshi’s death
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan, Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba and Technical Director Neil Tovey have been left devastated by the untimely death of former Super Eagles of Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi.
He said: “Words cannot describe this shocking loss. Keshi was not only a giant of African football but was a global football icon.
“At a time when we are still reeling from the loss of Muhammad Ali and now this; one wonders what is happening to this world. Only a few days ago, we lost one of our own giants, Ted Dumitru and hardly have tears dried up that we woke up to the shattering news of Keshi’s death.”
Jordaan said by virtue of SAFA’s close links with the Nigerian Football Federation, his association with Keshi was equally strong and intimate.
“At 54, Keshi was one of the bright young coaches coming out of this continent and having been a captain and solid player during his playing days, you can’t find a better individual whose life was wholly dedicated to the game of football. He recently lost his wife and now this. We wish that the family left behind remains strong in these difficult times,” mourned Jordaan.
Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba, who is also mourning his young brother Victor George Mashaba who passed away on Tuesday, a day after he returned from Gambia, said he was at a loss to comprehend Keshi’s sudden death.
“What is really happening in the world of coaching? Not long ago it was Ted Dumitru and now Keshi; two giants in a space of a week!”
Mashaba said in Keshi, Africa had lost one of its greatest prospects in the coaching world.
Ghana FA, Rwanda, Bwalya pay tribute
More condolences have poured in for the passing away of ex-Super Eagles captain and coach, late Stephen Keshi, reports NaijaSportsXtra.
Ghana FA verified account @ghanafaofficial: “#Ghana FA send message of condolence to our #Nigeria brothers @ thenff over Stephen #Keshi death.
Uganda FA @OfficialFUFA: “FUFA joins the rest of the football world in mourning the demise of former @thenff head coach Stephen Keshi. We are saddened by the news.
Rwanda FA verified account @FERWAFA: “Sad news for African football following loss of Stephen Keshi. Rwanda mourns with Africa. May his Soul Rest in Peace.”
African legend, Kalusha Bwalya tweeted on @KalushaPBwalya from Bahrain: “Woke up to the sad news of the passing of my brother Stephen Keshi. I can’t believe it. I am in shock. Football legend. RIP.”
African clubs were not also left out as they paid tribute to the former Super Eagles skipper.
Ghanaian top side, Accra Hearts Of Oak said on @HeartsOfOakGH: “Woke up to pay respect to E. Ofei Ansah, 11 years after his demise; only to hear of Stephen Keshi’s sad end. May their souls RIP. #AHOSC.”
Kaizer Chiefs @KaizerChiefs: “Our deepest condolences to the family, friends and the football fraternity on the sad passing of @NGSuperEagles Legend Stephen Keshi. RIP.”
Orlando Pirates Fans @UP_THE_ BUCS, “Our condolences to the family & friends of former Nigeria coach & captain Stephen Keshi who passed away this morning.”
Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi
He described the death of Stephen Keshi as not only a national, but international loss. Noting that Keshi was a successful player who opened the floodgate of international football to Nigeria and Nigerians, he recalled that after his retirement, he continued to contribute to the growth of football through coaching. He prayed to God to comfort Nigerians, who, according to him, are united in mourning this great Nigerians.
Abdullahi: Keshi’s death is shocking
The former Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has expressed deep sadness and shock over the passing of Stephen Keshi.
Abdullahi recalled that as Minister in 2013, he worked closely with the board of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) led by Aminu Maigari and Coach Keshi to achieve the historic victory in South Africa.
Said he: “That we were victorious and won the Nation’s Cup after 19 years was largely due to the leadership provided to the team by Keshi. He was passionate and committed to the Super Eagles team as he was to Nigerian football.
“Keshi’s love for Nigeria was never in doubt, whether as a coach, captain of the Super Eagles or footballer.
“I recall that it was Keshi’s movement to Europe to play for Lokeren in Belgium that opened the floodgates of Nigerians going abroad to play professional football.
“A renowned mentor of younger players, Keshi wrote his name in the sands of time and his memory will never fade as one of Nigerian sporting greats.
Omeruo: Keshi was like father to me
Kasimpasa of Turkey defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has revealed that late ex- Super Eagles coach and captain, Stephen Keshi was like a father to him, according to NaijaSportsXtra.
Omeruo who posted a picture of him celebrating with the late Keshi on his instagram page when Nigeria claimed her third AFCON title in South Africa after beating Burkina Faso 1-0 at the Soccer City Stadium in Jo’Burg, said: “You weren’t just a coach to me, you were a father. You believed I had what it took to play for the country even when I had doubts myself. Even when people said cut him, you kept me and encouraged me.
“I have always prayed to work with you again. Guess that won’t happen. No doubt I will miss you.
“Your children will miss you, Nigerians will miss you. ‘RIP BIG BOSS’.
Stand-in Eagles skipper, Onazi Ogenyi was still in shock with the sudden death of Stephen Keshi.
According to his tweet @OnaziOgenyi., “I just can’t believe big boss is dead. Rest in peace my LEGEND.”
For ex-Eagles ace, Victor Anichebe on his verified twitter account @VictorAnichebe: “Man life is so short! My prayers go out to Nigerian legend Stephen Keshi and his loved ones.”
Keshi’s death shock Oliseh, Siasia, Amokachi, Ikpeba
Ex-Super Eagles teammates of Stephen Keshi have paid tribute to their late captain, reports NaijaSportsXtra.
His Tunisia 1994 AFCON mates of Sunday Oliseh, Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi could not hold their feelings following the news of his death.
Sunday Oliseh on his verified twitter account @SundayOOliseh said: “Horrible news & sad day as our legendary Captain & brother Stephen Keshi dies. May his blessed soul rest in peace. We lost an iconic Hero 2day.”
For Dream Team coach, Samson Siasia, “2day is a sad day in football as we lost one of our own sons. You will go down in history as one that exemplified leadership on and off the pitch. SK,” his tweet read on @OfficialSiasia.
Daniel Amokachi stated on @FrenzziiiBull: “Very sad to hear about Stephen Keshi’s passing. A true Nigerian football legend. RIP.”
“My brother, my friend, my captain. You will defend and lead in heaven #RIPKeshi #RIPBigBoss,” said Victor Ikpeba on @V_Ikpeba.
Edo FA chairman: His death a devastating blow
The Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Frank Ilaboya, yesterday reacted to the news of the death of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, describing it as a devastating blow to the entire football community in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists in Benin, Ilaboya said Keshi’s death has created a huge vacuum in the entire football community in Nigeria.
“It was so devastating. At about 2am today (Wednesday) I got a call from a US-based coach, Dr. Terry Eguaoje, that I should confirm what was happening to Keshi.
“At that time, I didn’t know what was happening; I was shocked. So, I quickly established contact with the in-law, Richard Aburimen, who told me that it was true and I was shocked. He said that he (Keshi) was having a leg pain; they needed to do the massage. At a point, he said that the eyes were turning and by the time they took him to the hospital, he was dead before he got to the hospital.
“To the best of my knowledge, I never knew that he was sick; that was why I said that it was so shocking. I know that he used to have this leg pain, maybe because of playing days. But that is all I know.”
Onazi: Keshi impacted on my career
Nigeria international, Ogenyi Onazi, has told AfricanFootball.com coach Stephen Keshi contributed a lot to his career and he will forever have a special place in his heart.
The Lazio midfielder, who captained Eagles in the friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg, said the late coach gave him the Eagles chance he craved for.
He said: “This is shocking. Keshi contributed a lot to my career. He was the one who watched me play for my club and said I was ripe to play for Super Eagles and brought me in. For me, he is my legend. Forever he will be in my memory.”
Rabiu Afolabi, who played at two World Cups, said he still remembers how Keshi got him to make his full international debut 16 years ago.
“I wish to pay my homage to the man who initiated my first senior cap to the Super Eagles on June 17, 2000 against Sierra Leone,” he saluted. “He made my childhood dream come true,” he added.
Nollywood, music stars sad
Nigerian actors and musicians were shocked with the death of ‘The Big Boss’ as they paid glowing tributes to the departed coach.
Nollywood star Uche Jombo-Rodriguez said she has been shocked by Keshi’s death.
“I am in shock. #RIP to a true legend of Nigerian football #RIPKESHI🙏 #stephenkeshi,” she tweeted.
Another Nollywood icon, Genevieve Nnaji, was not left out as she tweeted: “One of only two men to win the Africa Cup of Nations both as a player and a coach. Another legend gone.”
Nollywood star, Mistura Asunramu Alao told AfricanFootball.com that Keshi’s death shocked her and that football world as lost a class act.
“I was shocked when I read the news, it was hard to believe. The entire football world has lost a top class act. He is a legend that will be remembered forever. I pray for his children at this time,” she told AfricanFootball.com
‘Koko Master’ D’Banj tweeted: “Oh My God! Hmm. Rest in Peace Stephen Keshi.”
Movie act and comedian Babatunde Bernard, known as ‘Baba Tee’, simply posted on Instagram: “RIP Stephen Keshi.”
Another movie actor, Kunle Afod, announced on Instagram: “RIP great man of honour. Stephen Keshi, Nigerians will miss you.”
Godwin Obaseki, Edo guber aspirant: Nigeria has lost a legend
Obaseki said Keshi was the only Nigerian who won the Africa cup of Nation as a player and as a coach, while describing his death as a big loss not only to his family or Nigerians but also to Africa.
“Keshi was a courageous leader who led the country to qualify for its first FIFA World Cup Finals in 1994 as a football captain and became the first Nigerian to lead the Super Eagles to African Cup of Nations glory in 2013 in South Africa.”