Read Osinbajo and Jonathan’s Touching Tribute To Stephen Keshi

Keshi died in the early hours of Wednesday, June 8, and according to reports, the 54-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest.

Paying his tribute to the Big Boss, the vice president, who took to his twitter handle, noted that Keshi’s exploits with the Nigerian national team brought unity and joy to many many across the nation.

“His personal triumphs and pursuits as a world-class professional footballer inspired many young talented sportsmen and women around Africa to strive for excellence,” Osinbajo said.

“His feats within and outside the country, are a rich legacy, which will continue to live on in our hearts.”

While commiserating with the family of Keshi, the VP prayed that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

As captain and coach of our national football team, his service, dedication and achievements…

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) June 8, 2016

…including lifting the African Nations Cup both as a player and then as a coach, remain a great testament to the value of hard work.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) June 8, 2016

His personal triumphs and pursuits as a world-class professional footballer inspired many young talented sportsmen and women around Africa.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) June 8, 2016

On behalf of the people and Government of Nigeria, I commiserate with the family of Mr. Stephen Keshi on this tragic loss.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) June 8, 2016

Our thoughts are with his children at this time of sadness especially so soon after the loss of their mother.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) June 8, 2016

We send our deepest condolences to them and also to the countless friends he made in a lifetime of service.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) June 8, 2016

On his own part, former president Goodluck Jonathan described Keshi as a great patriot and worthy ambassador for Nigeria, adding that the former coach brought glory to not only Nigeria but across Africa.

Jonathan further noted that the late football star revolutionized football in Nigeria as he was instrumental in nurturing young talents into full professionals that went on to become national and international idols.

“Keshi was driven by a high sense of patriotism and dedication which motivated him to always ply his craft from the front, leading his nation to win the prestigious continental football trophy at pivotal moments, both as captain and coach,” Jonathan said in a statement by his media adviser Ikechukwu Eze.

“I still keep a personal recollection of the time I received the 2013 Nation’s Cup from victorious Keshi and his team as President, on behalf of all Nigerians. It was a moment of pride and strength for our country.”

Meanwhile, speaking on Channels TV, the Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, said the government will look into immortalizing the late Stephen Keshi.

Dalung further said the news came as a big shock as the 54-year-old was neither ill nor had any health issues.

He said: “It is with a heavy heart but gratitude to the almighty God, that I, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and the federal government of Nigeria sympathize with the family of Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi (MON) and the entire Nigerian football family over the untimely death of our amiable, dedicated and outstanding hero.”

Keshi’s last spell with the Super Eagles between 2011 and 2015. He remains the only indigenous coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria.

He also qualified the team for the FIFA World Cup finals, the FIFA Confederations Cup and steered the team to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup.