More tributes have been pouring in for the former Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi who passed away Wednesday with the latest coming from the number one football personality in the world, FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Infantino said on behalf of the international football community, he identified with Nigeria at this trying moment and more importantly with the bereaved Keshi family.
“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 loved 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,” the FIFA boss stated.
Aside the FIFA President, other important personalities within and outside the country have also sent in their condolences.
Former Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, described Keshi as a man who deeply loved Nigeria and the greatest captain the country ever had.
He said, “That we were victorious and won the Nations Cup after 19 years (South Africa 2013) was largely due to the leadership provided by Keshi”.
“He was passionate and committed to the Super Eagles team as he was to Nigeria football. Keshi’s love for Nigeria was never in doubt, whether as a coach, captain of the Eagles or footballer. The greatest captain, the greatest coach, RIP,” Abdullahi said.
There have also been condolence messages from the Football Associations of Mali, Ghana, South Africa and also Sierra Leone.
Before that, he had received global applause for leading tiny Togo to reach their first FIFA World Cup, in 2006. He also coached the senior team of Mali.
A colourful playing career took Keshi to ACB FC of Lagos and NNB of Benin (Nigeria), Stade Abidjan and Africa Sports (Cote d’Ivoire), Lokeren, Anderlecht and Molenbeek (Belgium), Strasbourg (France), Jaguar Bay, San Jose and Sacramento Scorpions (USA) and Perlis of Malaysia.
