Delta gov, Saraki, Mark mourn

Sunday Aborisade, Abuja

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Senate President  Bukola Saraki; and his predecessor David Mark have  lamented the death of former  Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi.

In their condolence messages,  they  described the passing of the   former Nigeria captain  as  “a monumental loss to football”.

Okowa, in a statement  by his Chief Press Secretary Charles Aniagwu, said Keshi deserved paise for his contribution to national development.

The governor said, “The remarkable achievements recorded by Nigeria  in 1994 and 2013 were unarguably due to his indefatigable role as  captain and coach of the Eagles  in those glorious years culminating in the winning of the African Cup of Nations.

“Delta State,  and indeed Nigerians,  has lost a great man whose contributions to world  football  can best be described as legendary.

“He will be sorely missed by all and sundry whose lives he affected in several ways.”

Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu,  commended Keshi’s  contribution  to the development of football in the country by winning trophies both as a player and a coach.

Saraki said, “Keshi was an excellent star. His soccer artistry and leadership skills remain unparalleled. His days, while donning the national colours and his stint as the coach of the Eagles could rightly be regarded as “Nigeria’s golden moments” in both national, continental and world soccer.

“Keshi lost his wife late last year and  we heard the sad news of his demise. This must be a heavy burden for the family to bear. His death at 54 is both a rude shock and highly unfortunate.”

Mark, in  his statement by his Media Assistant,  Paul Mumeh,  said, “The news of the death of  our indefatigable Keshi   is devastating  and a sad story.

“Keshi was one of the greatest and most successful footballers Nigeria has ever produced. Till date, no one has beaten his record. As a captain of the Super Eagles in 1994, he won the Africa  Cup of Nations  in Tunisia.

“As coach of the  Eagles in 2013, he  led Nigeria to win the  Africa  Cup of Nations  in South Africa. He was forthright and outspoken. He was steadfast.  He never compromised his position,  especially on professionalism no matter whose ox is  gored.

“Keshi  was to African football what Mohammad Ali was to boxing. Only a very few men in the World has such an intimidating credential. We cannot question the Will of the Almighty creator  but this  is one death too many.”

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