FG, Onyema to immortalise Keshi

Ten years after his passing, former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi will be immortalized on the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame. The recognition celebrates his significant contributions to Nigerian football and his role as a sports diplomat.

Segun Odegbami, former Super Eagles captain, confirmed Keshi's inclusion during a memorial lecture in Lagos. The NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame is a national monument established by a Federal Government agency to honor Nigerians who have advanced the country's international politics and diplomatic objectives through sports. Keshi's legacy as a sports diplomat and his impact on Nigeria's foreign relations via football will be showcased at a ceremony on July 28, one day before the 10th anniversary of his burial.

"The existing list will now be extended to include the name of former Nigerian Green Eagles captain and national team coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, CON," Odegbami stated. "He has been considered worthy, and his contributions identified, justified and approved by the NIIA."

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The existing list will now be extended to include the name of former Nigerian Green Eagles captain and national team coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, CON. He has been considered worthy, and his contributions identified, justified and approved by the NIIA.

Keshi's career was marked by significant achievements. He played and captained the Nigerian national team, leading them to an Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1994. He later coached the Super Eagles to another AFCON title in 2013 and also qualified Togo for the FIFA World Cup. Affectionately known as 'Big Boss,' Keshi was twice named CAF Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2013. He also guided Nigeria to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and was instrumental in helping a generation of African players transition to professional careers in Europe.

Stephen Keshi died on June 7, 2016, at the age of 54. He was buried in his hometown of Illah, Delta State. The NIIA monument, erected three years ago, is sponsored by Dr. Allen Onyema and Air Peace.

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Stephen Keshi played and captained the Nigerian national team. He also coached and managed the National team of Nigeria to an African Cup of Victory, qualified and took another African national team, Togo, to the FIFA World Cup, personally opened the way and assisted a whole generation of Nigerian and other African football players in the transition to professional ranks in Europe.