"My dream is to build a strong team for Nigerians and give these players a reason to be footballers. And to show the many players that are coming up behind that they can become somebody in football. That's my dream,"

Those words came from Nigeria legend Stephen Keshi two years ago, as he prepared the Super Eagles to take flight in Brazil. Throughout his stellar playing and managerial career, 'Big Boss' certainly allowed fans, team-mates and his own players themselves to dream. Tributes from around the footballing world have poured in for Keshi, after his tragic and sudden passing at the age of 54.

Keshi was a born leader. An imposing central defender, he took games by the scruff of the neck and dictated matches from his position of influence as captain throughout much of his Super Eagles career. He marshalled a miserly Nigeria defence to the 1994 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, conceding just three goals on the path to victory. He then coached his nation to the same title almost two decades later - the side conceding four goals this time - becoming only the second man to win the AFCON as player and coach.

His influence on the pitch cannot be underestimated. He enjoyed a successful club career in his home continent before exporting his talents to Europe, starring in cup and league-winning Anderlecht sides and endearing himself to Strasbourg fans in France with a stunning long range goal against Rennes that helped promote Le Racing to Ligue 1.

It is Keshi's international career that will perhaps evoke the strongest memories though. As well as playing his part in that memorable AFCON title in 1994, he helped guide the Super Eagles to their first FIFA World Cup™, playing five games on the road to the USA before featuring just once at the finals (as captain) due to injury.


“I would like to express my deepest sympathy on hearing the news of the loss of the Nigeria great Stephen Keshi.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

With many African countries looking for coaching experience from outside the continent to lead their countries at major tournaments, Keshi was a beacon of hope for coaches from the mother continent. Not only was he the first Nigerian to lead his country to the AFCON title, he was the first African coach to lead a team to the Round of 16 at a World Cup, achieving that feat at Brazil 2014.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote a letter of condolence to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick upon hearing the tragic news.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathy on hearing the news of the loss of the Nigeria great Stephen Keshi," FIFA President Infantino wrote. “On behalf of the international football community, please allow me to extend my deepest condolences to the football community of Nigeria and, most importantly, to Stephen’s family, friends and love ones. We hope that, in some way, our words of support may help bring a little bit of peace and solace in this time of sadness."

Messages of sympathy have also flooded social media after news of Keshi's death stunned the global footballing community.

"Horrible news and a sad day. We lost an iconic hero today," Sunday Oliseh, a former Nigeria coach who played alongside Keshi reflected. while former Zambia international Kalusha Bwalya noted: "I can't believe it. I am in shock. Football legend."

"Keshi was a superhero," Nigeria Football Federation President Pinnick said. "His death is a big loss to Nigeria as a nation, not only to Nigeria football."


http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2016/m=6/news=football-says-goodbye-to-nigeria-s-big-boss-2800477.html

The iconic Nigerian player and national team coach - Keshi reveals the story behind the number that he wore throughout his playing career.


http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/y=2014/m=6/video=what-my-number-means-stephen-keshi-2379642.html

RIP

Rip

First Mohammed Ali, Now Keshi
.
.
.
At least they achieved what some at 90 couldn't attain; that's what living is all about

I still can't believe it

RIP

Modified

Who else in PHC noticed the air craft hovering the skies of PHC (GRA 1 area toward the lagos bus stop) ?
About 4 times in 15 minutes (dont know if its the same fighter jet or a fleet of them).
I am not aware of any training taking place at the air assault (NAF Base).
People shoild be alert biko.
The sound is just too loud and they are not flying high at all,

rip boss man.

Why do the dead have so many friends and loved once and never a single enemy.....especially in this part og the world....

biggest boss

.

Everytime i see keshi's name,i feel like crying.Within 9 months his children are orphans,i cant say i understand their pains,but to every orphan out there,just know there is a FATHER who watches over you and cares for you.RIP KESHI.

OK

Rip
Tribute 2 a falling Hero

[flash=425,344]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hllYRcVKe6E[/flash]

Branzy:
I still can't believe it

so since yesterday u still dy dream?

I still can't believe Keshi is gone

Rest in Peace. Big Boss



NFF now claiming Saints, when they were wailing the Man dem don forget??

Rest on keshi

Nelbless:
Why do the dead have so many friends and loved once and never a single enemy.....especially in this part og the world....

It's human nature and it's everywhere.

Death gives attention and awareness than any other thing on earth.

Sleep Well Keshi

Rest in Peace. Big Boss
I don't even expect NFF to talk. Shameless people.

the big boss... rip

adebrave1:
Rest in Peace. Big Boss

I don't even expect NFF to talk. Shameless people.

Wetin NFF do, Nad dem kill him?

He brought joy to the nations he coached, and achieved things with those nations. Most especially, naija,

I feel Keshi should be immortalized in one of our stadiums.

What do y'all think? ?

My opinion tho

RalphTheToner:
Everytime i see keshi's name,i feel like crying.Within 9 months his children are orphans,i cant say i understand their pains,but to every orphan out there,just know there is a FATHER who watches over you and cares for you.RIP KESHI.

They shld be happy their parents left them a legacy, I don't think Keshi's children will ever be hungry as orphans, unlike some orphans parents left without a penny.

NwaNimo1:
Hopefully Buhari will eventually follow suit...

But why?!!
Are you okay?

NwaNimo1:
Hopefully Buhari will eventually follow suit...

isha Allah

jeni.....

jenigurl:

But why?!!
Are you okay?

.