By Festus Ahon & Ochuko Akuopha

IRKED by the Federal Government’s non-representation at the funeral ceremony for former Super Eagles captain and coach, Stephen Keshi, House of Representatives member for Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency, Mrs. Amaechi Mrakpor has said that the treatment meted to the national hero could dampen the spirit of excellence among the younger generation.

Keshi’s funeral mass/interment, which was held at his Illah country home, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State on Friday, was bereft of representations of the federal government and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, a development which incurred the wrath of the legislator.

NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick who attended Keshi’s lying-in-State/Tribute at the Stephen Keshi Township Stadium, Asaba on  Thursday, was surprisingly absent at the   the funeral mass/interment.

There was however, a representation of the Delta State Executive Council and House of Assembly as well as Keshi’s team mates in the defunct New Nigeria Bank Football Club and the 1994 African Cup of Nations winning Super Eagles team.

“We are probably not proud of the country he represented. I just wonder what is going through the minds of the young boys and girls who admired Keshi. I appeal to those in leadership position not to murder the spirit of excellence in sports, engineering, architecture and other fields of human endeavour in Nigeria,” she said.