Nigeria great Stephen Keshi will begin his final journey home on Thursday in Benin City Nigeria.
The former Super Eagles captain and coach died on June 8, 2016, at the age of 54 in what was a huge loss to Nigeria, Africa and indeed the world. He was a very strong character who believed in his abilities and always had the zeal to win.
Keshi remains a hero in Nigeria and far beyond.
One of the only two men to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and coach, he was captain of Nigeria for 11 years and had in his bag an Afcon gold, silver and bronze.
He has to be credited with opening the gates for Nigerians and other Africans to play abroad after his move to Belgium in the 80s.
His exploits in Belgium brought about a large influx of Nigerians to that part of the world and Belgium became a Mecca for Nigerian footballers.
No one can forget how Keshi led a band of unknowns to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. It was a crowning moment for him. He topped that up by qualifying Nigeria for the 2014 Fifa World Cup and became the first Nigerian to coach the senior national team at the competition, taking the team to the second round.
Keshi also took Nigeria to the Confederations Cup as well as qualifying Nigeria for her first ever Africa Nations Championship winning the bronze medal.
The burial rites will be held in Edo and Delta states as the Nigeria Football Federation delegation will be led by Mr Amaju Pinnick, Mr. Frank Ilaboya (Chairman of the Edo State Football Association), Mr. Neville Bekederemo (Chairman of NPFL side Warri Wolves FC) and Mr. Edema Fuludu (Chairman of Delta State League Management Company).
He will be finally laid to rest in Illah, his home town, tomorrow.
Adieu ‘Big Boss’, all of Africa will surely miss you.
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