Keshi’s Death : Obi and Obiano react said it is Big Blow to African and International Football

The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has described the
sudden death of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu
Keshi as a big blow to African football.

Meanwhile, the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi described the death of Stephen Keshi as not only a national, but international loss . Noting that Keshi was a successful player who opened the floodgate of international football to Nigeria and Nigerians,  he recalled that  after his retirement, he continued to contribute to the growth of football through coaching. He prayed to God to comfort Nigerians who, according to him, are united in mourning this great Nigerians.

In a statement signed by James Eze, his Senior Special Assistant on
Media, Governor Obiano said that Keshi’s death is a massive tragedy
that would take Nigerian football a long period to recover from.

“Keshi was an icon of African football. He was a path breaker who
opened the door of international football to many African youths when
he led the exodus of Africa’s footballing talents to Europe through
Belgium. That bold act inspired generations of African players into
taking football as a serious career,” Obiano remarked.

Recalling Keshi’s exploits as a player and a coach, Governor Obiano
again paid glowing tribute to him for being the only Nigerian to have
won the African Nations’ Cup as both player and coach and the only
Nigerian coach to have managed the national teams of three African
countries as a coach.

“It will be difficult to find another all-Nigerian-coach like Stephen
Keshi who was so proudly Nigerian and carried himself stately like a
soldier on and off the pitch in his service to his fatherland. We
shall all miss Stephen Keshi,” he added.

Speaking further, the governor said, “Our prayers and thoughts are
with the Keshi Family and the good people of Delta State in this
moment of pain and anguish as the ‘Big Boss’ as he was fondly called,
is now in a better place.”