For resource sports administrator and Director, Corporate & Government Affairs(West Africa), Cadbury Mondelezi Interna-tional, Bala Yesufu, the passage of former Eagles coach and captain, Stephen Keshi has left a big void in Nigerian football.

Paying his tribute to the former New Nigerian Bank of Benin towering centre back, Yesufu, whose firm are the official candy sponsors of the Eagles described the deceased who passed on at 54 as the sports minister that Nigerian never had.

Speaking last night, Yesufu said “Keshi was the sports minister we never had. His death has left a big void in our football, nay sports as he was very patriotic, jovial person, a goal-getter and a mentor to many people scattered the world over

“He was an accomplished footballer, coach, manager, husband and a father, whose strides would remain with us forever. His achievements spoke for him. He was very successful. We are already missing Keshi, the sports minister we never had”, added Yesufu, who was close to tears as he spoke to us.

On the lesson from Keshi’s death, Yesufu said “we should imbibe the boys scout motto, be prepared . Don’t leave whatever you can do today for tomorrow.