“ I had just summoned a meeting of my executive to deliberate on how well to pay tribute to Stephen Keshi when like a thunderbolt, news filtered in that coach Amodu Shuaibu was also no more…….”
These were the pathetic words of Chief Jonathan Ogufere, President of the Sports Veterans Association, Nigeria on the sad news of the passing on of two of Nigeria’s best coaches within four days.
On behalf of the Veterans, Chief Ogufere said the Veterans like Nigerians and Nigerians all over the world are in deep sense of shock.
“ The coincidence is devastating the effect numbing
“ In Keshi and Amodu we have lost the best there is in Nigerian coaching history, men synonymous with excellence, patriots to the core who did not believe that there was anything inferior about the Nigerian coach and lived their lives to the end defending and propagating the best that was Nigerian.
The Veterans noted that there is a growing danger in trying to apportion blames as to the cause or otherwise of their deaths and pleaded for restrains. “ It is a sober moment, one that we should endeavour to learn from and make amends rather than use to sow seeds of discord.
“These gentlemen presided over a game that binds us together, one that guarantees peace and unity. It should not be different at their deaths” the Veterans advised.
“ No wonder they succeeded, because they were diligent and steadfast when it came to discharging their duties to the best of their abilities”
The Veterans President added that it will be difficult if not impossible to replace Keshi and Amodu and called on Nigeria and Nigerians to immortalize these “two great sons of Nigeria, nay Africa”
“It is no more about Nigeria Football Federation. They grew beyond the boundaries of their culture medium and were embraced on the national pedestal.
“ We beseech the good Lord gives their families the fortitude to bear the loss” the Veterans prayed.

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