I hate to think that the late Super Eagles Coach,
Stephen Okechukwu Keshi wouldn’t have died if he
hadn’t answered the call to service. But it is quite
logical to nurse this conviction considering the
emotional trauma the Nigerian Football Federation
(NFF) and fans of the national team put him
through. Not too long ago, they would have his
head on a spike because the team failed to qualify
for the African Nations Cup.

These were the same people who lavished
encomiums on him when Nigeria lifted the
continental trophy for a third time. I daresay
Nigerians are afflicted with short memories. This
should explain why someone who lived through the
Abacha’s years would brand the late maximum
ruler “a hero.” (But why am I digressing?)
Now that Stephen Keshi is gone. Premeditated,
hurried and extempore, hearty and half-hearted
tributes keep streaming from fans, friends, hero-
worshippers, and foes , it is imperative to ask what
becomes of his orphans? Are they going to be
abandoned to their fate? Are they going to be well
catered for till the President, Muhammadu Buhari
departs office? Will Nigeria forget them as soon as
the corpse of the late coach is committed to Mother
Earth?

Several years back, I was reading in the Punch
Newspaper, a story about the son of the man who
designed the Nigerian flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi. He
was denied a visa even after introducing himself as
the son of maker of our national identity. He
lamented that the country had neglected his father,
in his peril and ill -health. The man who crafted the
FESTAC 1977 Mask had similar tale to tell. Many
veritable examples abound.

This goes to show the viciousness of our affliction
– the affliction of short memory. Interestingly,
Keshi was deprived of his entitlement. If the
government will not make arrangement to improve
the welfare of these great Nigerians, it behoves on
well-meaning Nigerians, the elite, and even those
who have pillaged our commonwealth to come to
their aid.

It is said that football is the only thing that unites
this country. Stephen Keshi, as captain and coach
gave joy to many a young Nigerian. This is a feat
the administration of some past rulers of this
country couldn’t rival. Should Keshi be forgotten?
Should his children be neglected? The answer is a
resounding No!

I will be happy if anything is done for the kids but going by the antecedents of our country, I seriously doubt.

I can name a host of ex internationals abandoned.

You should worry about those in IDP camps all over the nation not Keshi's kids that have enough to fall back on. Why do we keep sponsoring the rich? Serving Nigeria is a privilege and he was paid for his service. I don't have anything against keshi but I know his kids are privileged. You should also know that the soldiers that lost their lives everyday are the breadwinners of their respective families.

Checked86:
You should worry about those in IDP camps all over the nation not Keshi's kids that have enough to fall back on. Why do we keep sponsoring the rich? Serving Nigeria is a privilege and he was paid for his service. I don't have anything against keshi but I know his kids are privileged. You should also know that the soldiers that lost their lives everyday are the breadwinners of their respective families.

like you are a member of Keshi's immediate family