Stephen Keshi finally laid to rest

Tears and mourning as dignitaries gather to say final farewell to Stephen Keshi.

Amaju Pinnick, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President was among prominent Nigerians who paid the late coach of the national team his last respect and described him as a “super hero”

During the funeral service, the NFF President said “I have always described him as a super hero because he was a super hero. He did not do things that were regular he did things that were extraordinary.”

While at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Benin for the funeral service, Pinnick reiterated “That (honour) is definitely going to be done.”

During his career as a player and coach, it was only him and one other person that won the African Cup of Nations in 1994 and 2013 respectively.

Richard Aburimen who is one late Keshi’s in-law said that he forever be remembered by his loved ones. Aburimen further said, “Stephen Okechukwu Keshi was, quintessentially a good man, a man of peace. He was a giver; he never held back and that why he was as big as he was.”

The Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Frank Ilaboye and ex-team mates of Keshi, including Austine Eguavoen were also present to attend the funeral.

According to the officiating minister, Ver Rev. Fr. Richard Ofere, Keshi lived a life worthy of emulation as a member of the church, with his selfless contribution to the nation through football.

The corpse was thereafter moved to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for a novelty match between ex-internationals and all stars.

Afterwards, there would be a lying-in-state‎ and tributes at the indoor hall of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.