News

June 8, 2016

Buhari, FIFA, CAF, Others Mourn Keshi

Buhari, FIFA, CAF, Others Mourn Keshi

Late Keshi

Tributes were paid on Wednesday to former Nigeria player and coach Stephen Keshi, who died of a suspected heart attack.

“Nigeria today lost a great sportsman, football player, coach and citizen. He gave his country his all.”

– Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s President

“A jewel.”

– Confederation of African Football boss Issa Hayatou

“This is devastating. We have lost a superhero.”

– Amaju Pinnick, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

“The football family has lost a great member.”

– Fatma Samoura, FIFA secretary-general

“A great man and a noble spirit… a shining example of dedication to football and to footballers.”

– Ghana Football Federation president Kwesi Nyantakyi

“News of #StephenKeshi’s death is shocking! It’s a very sad day for #African soccer. #Keshi was a shining star, as player & manager.”

– African Union head Dlamini Zuma

“Horrible news & Sad day as Our legendary Captain & brother Stephen Keshi dies. May his blessed soul rest in peace. We lost an iconic Hero 2day.”

– Keshi’s Nigeria team-mate and former national team coach Sunday Oliseh

“A football legend has gone. RIP.”

– Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure

“I am too shocked for words. Stephen Keshi is gone #RIPKeshi #RIPBigBoss. You opened the door for all of us.”

– Former Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo

“Our captain, our coach, our leader, our hero, our legend. I don’t know what to say but thanks for all. RIP THE BIG BOSS.”

– Former Arsenal and Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu

“Keshi was such an admirable and dedicated man who did Nigeria proud with his talent in the game of football.”

– Nigeria’s former vice-president Atiku Abubakar