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Former Nigerian national football team coach Stephen Keshi has passed away at the age of 54.
Keshi reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Wednesday while he was preparing to return to the United States.
Emmanuel Ado, a family spokesperson, confirmed the passing of the Nigerian football legend in a statement to Premium Times.
“With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Fredrick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi,” Ado said in the statement.
“Our son, brother, father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, has gone to be with his wife of 35 years (Nkem ), Mrs. Kate Keshi, who passed on on the 9th December 2015.
“Since her death, Keshi has been in mourning. He came back to Nigeria to be with her. He had planned to fly back today Wednesday, before he suffered a cardiac arrest. He has found rest,” continued Ado.
“With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Fredrick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi.”
Reports surfaced last week that Keshi was close to joining Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, but ‘The Big Boss’ as he was affectionately known, later refuted the claims.
His agent Tim Sukazi however, confirmed weeks ago that he was in talks with several South African clubs as Keshi appeared very keen to coach in the PSL next season.
derick.khumalo