12:50
In statement released by his Special Adviser,
Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Senate
President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has reacted
to the loss of Nigeria's most iconic sports
personalities, former Super Eagles captain and
coach, Stephen Keshi, who died after a Cardiac
arrest in the early hours of today Wednesday
June 8th. The statement reads,
The sad occurrence was both painful and
unfortunate coming at a time the nation
is in dire need of wisdom and rich
experience of sports professionals like
the late international star to stabilize its
soccer architecture.
Keshi was an excellent star. His soccer artistry
and leadership skills remain unparalleled. His
days, while donning the national colours and his
stint as a National Coach of the Super Eagles
could rightly be regarded as "Nigeria's golden
moments" in both national, continental and
world soccer.
Keshi lost his wife late last year and today we
heard the sad news of his demise. This must be
a heavy burden for the family to bear. His death
at 54 is both a rude shock and highly
unfortunate. Nonetheless, we must take solace
in the fact that he did his utmost for the
development of sports in Nigeria, Africa and the
world, during his sojourn on earth.
As a player and coach, he was instrumental to
superlative victories for the national team. It
could be recalled that the “Big Boss” as he was
fondly called, made history by winning the
African Nation's Cup as a player in Tunisia 1994
and in South Africa 2013, he won again as a
coach. He was perhaps the only Nigerian to
have achieved that feat.
He was a great source of inspiration to his
contemporaries, team mates and the younger
generation who took to football and are still
active in sports across the world today. He
shall be sorely missed.
The Senate President commiserates with the
children and immediate family of the deceased,
the Government and people of Delta State, the
Minister of Youths and Sports, the nation's
football governing body and the Super Eagles
over the painful loss.
Fd
While praying God to grant the Soul of the
departed eternal rest, he urged his children,
loved ones and admirers to emulate the
enviable lifestyle of industry and patriotism of
the late soccer hero.
He also called on both the Federal and Delta
State Governments to immortalize him.
