Former Nigerian football player and coach, Stephen Keshi, has died at the age of 54. Reports have it that he was not ill but died from a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 8th of June, in Benin City, Edo State. He was planning to return to the United States later in the day.
In a statement signed by Emmanuel Ado, a family member, “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.
“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.”
Stephen Keshi, upon graduation from St Finbarr’s College, Lagos, began playing at ACB Football Club, then for New Nigeria Bank, Stade d’Abidjan, Africa Sports, Lokeren, Anderlecht, RC Strasbourg, and a host of other clubs.
He represented Nigeria from 1981 till 1995 as a captain and central defender during which he won 64 Nigeria caps. He also was coach for the football leagues in Togo (2004 – 2006), Mali (2008 – 2010) and Nigeria (2011 – 2015).
In 2013, he led Nigeria to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted in South Africa, where the team defeated Burkina Faso in the final.
Keshi has won the AFCON as both player and coach, and on an international scene, he has recorded stints in Belgium, France, the United States and Malaysia.
He is survived by four children.
