The African football fraternity is mourning the death of former Nigeria
captain and Coach Stephen Keshi, died from a cardiac arrest at the age of 54.
Keshi died suddenly in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Benin City in
southern Nigeria. He was planning to return to his base in the United States
later that day.
His friends say that Keshi was in good health and had no previous heart
problems.
He was scheduled to return to the United States on Wednesday evening
before he suffered cardiac arrest.
The former international football player and coach had lost his 35 years, Kate, last year
after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Our source, confirmed his death from a member of his family as
well as one of his close associates.
“He was not ill at all, never showed any signs of illness, but we suspect he
never got over the death of his wife,” a friend said.
He is survived by four children and his mother.
After winning 64 Nigeria caps as a central defender between 1981-95, Keshi
had three stints in charge of Togo before taking over as Nigeria coach in 2011
until last year. He also coached Mali between 2008-10.
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Keshi lifting the trophy as a captain of the Super Eagles |
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Keshi won the Nations cup as the coach in 2013 |
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Keshi celebrating with his team mate, Peter Rufai and Sunday Oliseh. |
He led Nigeria to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating Burkina
Faso in the final in South Africa before guiding them to the second round of
the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Rest in Peace big boss.