Highlights From Stephen Keshi’s Funeral Ceremony in Edo & Delta States

 

The world of football lost a treasure with the sudden death of the former Super Eagles coach and player, Stephen Keshi, popularly called Skippo or Big Boss who died on June 8, 2016.

He was a legend in African football in a league of his own. He was most celebrated as the only Nigerian to

win the African Nations Cup as a player and a phenomenal coach. He is also the first African to lead two countries to the world cup – Nigeria and Togo.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro led mourners including a cross section of the Keshi family members, clergy, dignitaries and football fans throughout the ceremonies. Key to the planning and coordination were Patrick Ukah, Honourable Commissioner of Information, Delta state, and the late coach’s friends and family members.

Chairman of the Edo Football Association, Frank Illaboya, Chairman of Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Warri Wolves, Neville Bekederemo, Nollywood Veteran, Alex Usifo, and Chairman of Delta state League Management Company, Edema Fuludu, and veteran footballers like Fanny Amun, Austin Eguavoen, Aloy Agu, Victor Ikpeba, Mutiu Adepoju, Okechukwu Uche, Peter Rufai, Kanu Nwankwo, Taribo West, Chigozie Agbim, Friday Ekpo, Emeka Ezeugo were all part of the events.

The events, organised by LTJ Funerals International were as follows:

Thursday, July 28, 2016:

• 8:00 am Requiem mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 30 Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State
• 10:00am Lying in State at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium
• Novelty match by All Stars and Tributes at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Stadium Road, Benin City, Edo State
• Body is received at the boundary between Delta and Edo states
• Lying in State at Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Indoor Hall, Asaba
• Novelty Match by All Stars and Tribute at Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, Delta State from 2:30PM
• Service of Songs/Vigil Mass at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, Delta State by 6:00PM