Nigerian football icon Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has reportedly died.
This is coming five months after the former international footballer lost his wife of 35 years, Kate, following a prolonged battle with cancer.
The statement signed by Emmanuel Ado was titled: ‘Stephen Keshi CON has gone to be with his wife.’
‘With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Fredrick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi,’ Ado wrote.
‘Our son, brother, father, father-in-law,brother-in-law, has gone to be with his wife of 35 years (Nkem), Mrs. Kate Keshi, who passed on on the 9th December 2015.
‘Since her death, Keshi has been in mourning. He came back to Nigeria to be with her. He had planned to fly back today Wednesday, before he suffered a cardiac arrest. He has found rest.
‘We thank God for his life.
‘We want to ask for understanding in this very difficult time for the family.’
Big Boss as he’s fondly called for his leadership qualities represented Nigeria from 1982, at age 20, till 1994.
The central defender, known for his ‘no nonsense’ style of play, was Super Eagles most popular captain. He is the fifth member of the 1994 team to die, following Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini and Wilfred Agbonavbare.
Keshi, the only Nigerian coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations, achieved a rare feat in 2013 by becoming only the second person to win the trophy both as a player and a coach.
He is survived by four children and his mother.
Rest In Peace Big Boss!
Ex-Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi passes on 5 months after wife's death
