:Ten years after his passing, former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi is set to be immortalised on the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame in recognition of his immense contributions to Nigerian football.
The announcement was made by former Super Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, during a memorial lecture held in honour of the late coach in Lagos.
The NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame is a national monument established to celebrate Nigerians whose achievements in sports have significantly advanced the country’s international relations and diplomatic interests.
Keshi’s legacy as a sports diplomat and his role in promoting Nigeria’s image through football will be formally recognised at an induction ceremony scheduled for July 28, one day before the 10th anniversary of his burial.
The event will also commemorate the third anniversary of the monument, located within the NIIA premises in Lagos and sponsored by Allen Onyema and Airpeace.
Speaking at the memorial lecture, Odegbami said Keshi’s name had been approved for inclusion on the Wall of Fame due to his remarkable achievements and service to the nation.
“The existing list will now be expanded to include former Green Eagles captain and national team coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, CON. His contributions have been thoroughly assessed and recognised by the NIIA as deserving of this honour,” he said.
Odegbami highlighted Keshi’s accomplishments as both player and coach, noting that he captained Nigeria, led the Super Eagles to Africa Cup of Nations glory, guided Togo to their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, and paved the way for many African footballers to secure professional careers in Europe.
Keshi died on June 7, 2016, at the age of 54 in Benin City and was laid to rest in his hometown of Illah.
Widely known as the “Big Boss,” Keshi remains one of Africa’s most celebrated football figures. He won the Africa Cup of Nations as captain of Nigeria in 1994 and repeated the feat as coach in 2013. He also guided the Super Eagles to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and was named CAF Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2013.
