Nigeria bids farewell to its football legend 'Big Boss' Keshi

The final funeral rites of former Super eagles coach and captain, Stephen Keshi took off on Thursday at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin, the Edo State capital.

The final rites was led by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)president, Amaju Pinnick, Chairman of the Edo State Football Association Frank Ilaboya, Chairman of NPFL side Warri Wolves Neville Bekederemo and Chairman of Delta State League Management Company Edema Fuludu.

Family members, top members of the Nigeria Football fraternity including ex-internationals and a host of other friends and associates were in attendance.

The body of the ‘Big Boss’ as Keshi was fondly called was then moved to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin city, where a match organised by his former team-mates led by Austin Eguavoen, was held in his honour.

The match was followed by Lying In-State for a last respects by sympathizers and close associates.

Keshi’s body will then be moved to Asaba, Delta State capital for a lying in state at the Stephen Keshi Stadium at Nnebisi Road, Asaba.

Rest in Peace our legend. #RIPStephenKeshi pic.twitter.com/qY2FmxMQ9E

— The NFF (@thenff) July 28, 2016

Stephen Keshi “The Big Boss” made his mark not only as a footballer but as a National head coach.

He captained the national team for 11 years, winning the Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze. In 2013, as a coach of the Super Eagles, he lifted the African trophy again after Nigeria defeated Burkina Faso by 1-0 in the final at the Johannesburg Soccer city.

He would be remembered as one of the only two men to have won the Africa cup of Nations as a player and as a coach, he died in Benin City on Wednesday, June 8, at the age of 54.

The remains of “The boss” will be interred at his hometown, Illah on Friday.