By Victor Enyinnaya on June 13, 2016

More Nigerians have joined their fellow compatriots to express dismay over the sudden demise of former Nigerian football legend and former supremo of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi.

Former executive committee member of FIFA and CAF, Dr. Amos Adamu, described the news as worst for the year. He revealed that the news hit him like a thunderbolt and it remains a big blow to the football family all over the world and Nigeria in particular.

Keshi, he said, knew what he wanted and went for it. He was a hardworking fellow and did not take no as an answer. He will definitely be missed by his colleagues and administrators. May his soul find peace in the Lord.

Former technical director of the NFA, Kashimawo Laloko was speechless for a while and shortly responded: “It cannot be true though death is enviable but not Stephen Keshi at this point in time. What happened? What went wrong? Stephen gone? What’s in this life? It is really sad and I’m deeply touched to say the very least. Truly, I don’t know what else to say than he meant so well for the game hence he gave his best shot at it in every beat he found himself. Nigerian will miss his strong but robust views on football matters.”

For the National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Prince Vincent Okumagba, Stephen Keshi’s death makes him sad each time he remembers it. He had an unfinished business in the game. This is really when he was getting ready to get back to the field that this sudden death came calling.

“I have asked myself many questions ranging from why now to it would have been ordinary sickness but head or tail, here I lie sorrowfully. I am still short of words. Nobody was expecting what has actually befallen the country’s football, family and close friends at the moment. He was a jolly good fellow who lived his life not compromising what he strictly believed in. This was a man that was loved even by his critics because of his hard work and principled nature. I miss him wholeheartedly.”

“It is gloomy,” that was the first response from veteran former board member of NFA, Prince Isidore Oduah in a telephone chat.

According to him, Stephen Keshi’s is death one that has rubbed the country one of her best football gaffers and thinker. He served the nation wholeheartedly in all spheres of the game and harvested results.

“He was a goal getter, loved and hatred as human beings that we are. One thing is certain about Stephen and that is, he was humane but his imposing stature may have scared people, he was a true patriot. Nigeria has again lost one of her finest. I pray the Lord be with him.”

Super Eagles central defender Kenneth Omeruo from Turkey sounded highly depressed if his voice is anything to go by. He said that he still finds it extremely difficult to comprehend the sad news of Keshi’s death.

He categorically revealed how the late Super Eagles handler mentored him into brevity before their historic 2013 quarter final AFCON game against Cote d’Ivoire in South Africa. He said he has carried with him, all his tips on how to defend well till today. He specially tutored me on how to calmly but clinically checkmate Didier Drogba and l played strictly to instruction.

“Coach was a father, brother and counselor to especially many of us that cut our major international football teeth under his tutelage at the Super Eagles level. He was an apostle of carrot and stick method. It worked for him and we came in full terms with that. He makes you develop thick skin and face your task squarely. Its hard for me truly, the ripest moment is the saddest encounter.

“A kind creature you cannot easily fault. His death remains devastating as it no doubt creates void in our coaching hierarchy. Rest in Peace sir, I miss you.”

Coach Kadiri Ikhana, ex-international and former coach of Enyimba said the death of Stephen Keshi is sad to hear and understand.

“It is really bad omen for Nigerian football. Stephen meant different things to different people, but to the majority, he was a straight forward man that always wanted the best for his job and goes all out to achieve his set goal. My heart is heavy and I should be given a break. God knows best.”

Austin Eguaveon teammate and former coach of the Super Eagles described Keshi as one that believed solely in his ability to bring the best out of even most extreme difficult situations.

“Such paid off handsomely for him in his life time. However, his death shocks me till now. It was like a bad dream but unfortunately it is real. He was not a tough fellow as some people may paint. His life was woven around sincerity, equity, evolution and charity.”

•Photo shows late Stephen Keshi.

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 13, 2016

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