'Keshi: Nigeria has lost a Hero' - Senate Pres. Bukola Saraki

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.
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.

Below are throw back pictures of Stephen Keshi..