A decade after his death, Nigerian football legend and former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, is set to be immortalised by the Federal Government in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigerian football and sports diplomacy.
Keshi’s name will be inscribed on the Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame at the , a national monument established to honour Nigerians who have promoted the country’s image and diplomatic interests through sports.
The announcement was made by former Super Eagles captain, Segun Odegbam , during a memorial lecture held in honour of the late football icon in Lagos.
The ceremony, scheduled for July 28, will take place a day before the 10th anniversary of Keshi’s burial and will also commemorate three years since the Wall of Fame was established with support from Dr Allen Onyema and Air Peace.
Odegbami said Keshi was considered worthy of the honour because of his immense contributions to football and his role in projecting Nigeria’s image globally.
“The NIIA has approved the inclusion of Stephen Okechukwu Keshi on the Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame. His achievements and contributions to Nigeria and Africa through football remain exceptional,” he said.
Fondly called the “Big Boss,” Keshi etched his name in history by winning the both as captain of the Super Eagles in 1994 and as coach in 2013.
He also guided Nigeria to the and became one of Africa’s most respected football managers after leading Togo to its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
Beyond his exploits on the pitch, Keshi was celebrated for helping open doors for African footballers seeking professional careers in Europe.
The former defender died on June 7, 2016, at the age of 54 in Benin City, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire generations of footballers across Africa.
Ten years on, Nigeria is preparing to ensure that the memory and achievements of one of its greatest football heroes live on forever.
