Keshi to be Immortalised, Says NFF

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

President, Nigeria Football Association (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, led football enthusiasts to visit the residence of the late Stephen Keshi in Ohenhen street, Benin City, the Edo state capital, describing him as a Nigerian coach who wanted the best for his country and will be immortalised.

Amaju, who was accompanied by Delta state sports commission chairman, Tonobok Okowa, Chairman of Warri Wolves Football Club, Nelville Bekederemo, and Coach Austin Eguavoen were led by the Edo state NFA chairman. Frank Ilaboya, to the deceased’s family house in Benin City.

Keshi, the former Super Eagles player and coach, passed on in the early hours of Wednesday at a private hospital in Benin.

The visit was ahead of the outcome of the autopsy report, which would be conducted by ACP. Wilson Akhiwu, head, Police Pathology Unit, Police Force headquarters, Abuja, according to family source.

At the residence of late Keshi on Thursday, members of the NFF president’s delegation signed the condolence register shortly after they were received by Mr. Richard Aburime (brother-in-law) and Ebuka Ofuoni, a cousin of the late coach.

Addressing members of the diseased family, NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, described Stephen Keshi as a coach who wanted the best for his Country, Nigeria.

He said under his watch, the commission has received over 30 letters of condolence across the world, including Africa, Asia and Europe, FIFA, CAF, and phone calls from CNN in demonstration of his (Keshi) immense contribution to sports development globally.

Amaju assured that the NFF would liaise with the National Youth and Sports Commission towards a befitting burial ceremony for the diseased whom he said should be immortalised.

Further details later