23rd June, 2016
The dates for the funeral rites of the late Super Eagles’ captain and coach, Stephen Keshi, have been fixed for July 27th-29th 2016.
According to a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) where the children of the deceased soccer star expressed their thanks to the people of Nigeria, Africa, the Football community all over the world, most especially the Nigeria Football Federation, Edo and Delta State Governments for their love and care, the children stated that their father would be buried in Illah, his hometown.
The statement reads:
“We are deeply touched by the numerous calls, visits, prayers, words of encouragement and the show of willingness to be a part of the burial arrangements. Your acts of kindness and generosity have made our burden bearable. Thank you from the depths of our hearts.
“Our late dad was not only a wonderful husband to a wonderful wife, he was a soccer icon. Our mother who passed on to glory few months ago, together they were the most precious people we ever had. Their parenting and love for us knew no bound. They protected us and shielded us and prepared us for life.”
The funeral rites of the departed hero have now been fixed for 27-29 July, with a night of tribute in Abuja, lying-state, church service and novelty football match in Benin City and burial in Illah, his home –town.
Meanwhile, the Sports Committee of the House of Representatives has hailed the late Keshi as “a man of peace, a gentleman and a thoroughbred professional footballer.”
In a letter signed by its chairman, Hon. Goni Bukar Lawan and addressed to NFF president Pinnick, the committee wrote: “The death of this great icon at this point of our history is a great shock to the Committee and indeed the Football Community. The vacuum of his death will definitely be difficult to fill.”