Stephen Keshi’s funeral rites begin today

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi

The final journey home for late Super Eagles chief coach and renowned football tactician, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, will begin today, in Benin City, Edo State, with series of activities lined up to herald his interment in Illah, Oshimili North local government area of Delta State, tomorrow.

The former international and Africa Cup of Nations winning player and coach, suddenly died from cardiac arrest in the early hours of Wednesday, June 8 in Benin City.

In a statement, the family of the late footballer announced that a church service will hold at St Paul Catholic Church, Benin City by 9am on Thursday, July 28.

His remains will be moved to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where a novelty match organized by his former teammates led by former Super Eagles captain and coach Austin Eguavoen will be staged in his honour.

Afterwards, his corpse will depart for Asaba, the Delta State capital, where former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan will receive him at the stadium named after him on Nnebisi Road.

Thereafter, his body will leave for Illah, his country home, where the Obi of Illah, His Royal Highness Obi Gbemudu with his high chiefs will receive him.

Moments later, a requiem mass will hold at St John Catholic Church before his remains will be moved to his residence for an hour-long lying-in-state, followed by an internment at the same venue.

Keshi captained Nigeria to win their second Afcon in 1994.

The NFF delegation to the final rites will be led by the President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, and will include, among others, Mr. Frank Ilaboya (Chairman of the Edo State Football Association), Mr. Neville Bekederemo (Chairman of NPFL side Warri Wolves FC) and Mr. Edema Fuludu (Chairman of Delta State League Management Company).

Keshi, one of only two men to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as player and as coach, died in Benin City at the age of 54.

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