Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has described the death of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, as a monumental loss to Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Mark in a statement issued by his media aide said: “I received with shock and disbelieve the news of the death of our indefatigable coach Stephen Keshi popularly called the ‘Big Boss ‘. It’s devastating, it’s a sad story.
“Keshi was one of the greatest and most successful footballers Nigeria has ever produced. Till date, no one has beaten his record. As a captain of the Super Eagles in 1994, he won the Africa Nations Cup in Tunisia. As the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles in 2013, he led Nigeria to win the Nations’ Cup in South Africa.
“He was forthright and outspoken. He was steadfast. He never compromised his position especially on professionalism no matter whose ox was gored. Keshi was to African football what Mohammed Ali was to Boxing.
“Only a very few men in the world has such an intimidating credential. We cannot question the Will of the Almighty creator, but this is one death too many.
“Keshi’s death is akin to death of more than a hundred massacred in a pogrom. Keshi was one of our greatest footballers. He lived and worked for Nigeria. He certainly left a huge vacuum that would be difficult to fill.”
The ex- Senate president asked Nigerians especially the football family to take solace in the fact that Keshi left his positive footprint on the sands of time.
To the deceased’s immediate family, Mark said they should continue to build on the uncommon patriotism, unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood and resourcefulness which Keshi was known for.
He prayed that God grant the ex-Super Eagles captain eternal rest just as he prayed that the Almighty give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
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