Nigerian 'superhero' Stephen Keshi dies at 54
One of the most recognisable faces in the African game, Stephen Keshi, died suddenly Wednesday at age 54.
Keshi skippered Nigeria and has the distinction of being one of just two men to win the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and coach. At club level, the defender led a somewhat nomadic existence, with his most successful spell coming at Anderlecht in the late '80s and early '90s.
"This is devastating. We have lost a superhero," Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick said of Keshi. According to local media reports, Keshi died of a heart attack.
The late Edo State native's last role in football came at the helm of his country's national side. He departed that job last July.
Leading Nigerian stars past and present mourned the loss of the "Big Boss," including Watford's Odion Ighalo and ex-Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu.
R.I.P big Boss,Thank u for everything😥😭🙏 pic.twitter.com/g2AZ3pfR4p
— Odion Jude Ighalo (@ighalojude) June 8, 2016
Our captain,our coach,our leader,our hero,our legend I don't know what to say but thanks for all.R.I.P THE BIG BOSS pic.twitter.com/vsmdwlFDTJ
— Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) June 8, 2016
Horrible news & Sad day as Our legendary Captain & brother Stephen Keshi dies.May his blessed soul rest in peace.we lost an iconic Hero 2day
— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) June 8, 2016
I am too shocked for words. Stephen Keshi is gone #RIPKeshi #RIPBigBoss. You opened the door for all of us.
— Joseph Yobo (@jyobo234) June 8, 2016
R.I.P Stephen Keshi 🌹
— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) June 8, 2016
I just can't believe big boss is dead, rest in peace my LEGEND👏🏻😫😫 pic.twitter.com/V0PDl0vqN2
— Onazi Ogenyi Eddy (@OnaziOgenyi) June 8, 2016
This is one of the saddest days of my life🙁. I will never forget the happy days, you coached me. RIP Big boss🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/mqNhFhFzK3
— Brown Ideye (MON) (@OfficialIdeye) June 8, 2016
HEADLINES
- Latest transfer news and rumors: Newcastle braced for £130M Isak bid
- UEFA demotes Crystal Palace to Conference League due to Lyon ties
- Bilbao's Alvarez says he's provisionally banned for 'involuntary' doping
- Lyon can compete in Europe if they overturn relegation
- Drogheda removed from Conference League due to issue with U.S. ownership