The former captain and coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Stephen Keshi is dead, aged 54.
Keshi died less than a year after the death of his wife, Kate, who suffered a long battle with cancer.
A statement released by the family, confirmed Keshi’s death on Wednesday, the day he was scheduled to return to the United States, after his visit to Nigeria, to mourn his wife.
According to the statement, signed by Emmanuel Ado on behalf of the Keshi family, titled: “Stephen Keshi CON has gone to be with his wife”, the late Nigerian international never recovered from the shock he suffered as a result of his wife’s death.
“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.
“We thank God for his life.
“We want to ask for understanding in this very difficult time for the family.”
Keshi, a product of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, started his playing career at a very young age at ACB Football Club, and later played for New Nigeria Bank, Stade d’Abidjan, Africa Sports, Lokeren, Anderlecht, RC Strasbourg, and a host of other clubs.
He represented Nigeria from 1982, at age 20, till 1994, most of the time captaining the Super Eagles and scoring vital goals from his position as a central defender.
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