The 7th of June, 2016 was a dark day in Nigeria’s soccer scene. The death of Nigeria’s biggest number 4, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi left a huge scar after the announcement of his demise at the age of 54.
Keshi is one of just two people in history to win the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and a coach. The other is Mahmoud El-Gohary of Egypt, who died in 2012.
Keshi was a brilliant defender during his active days and one of the strong forces on the national team. In 1994 when he helped lead the Super Eagles to their second Africa Cup of Nations title. Nineteen years later, Keshi coached Nigeria to its third Africa Cup of Nations championship with a 1-0 triumph over Burkina Faso.
As a coach, Keshi took Nigeria to its third Africa Cup of Nations championship with a 1-0 triumph over Burkina F1aso. He later went on to coach Togo and Mali’s national team.
Stephen Keshi will always be remembered as one man who gave everything for the development of his country.
May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
