Also, President of world’s football governing body, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, described Keshi as an ‘iconic hero.’
In a condolence message he signed personally, VP Osinbajo commiserated with the bereaved family and Keshi’s friends, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.
“The news of the sudden death of Mr. Stephen Keshi saddens our nation.
“As captain and coach of our national football team, his service, dedication and achievements, including lifting the African Nations Cup both as a player and then as a coach, remain a great testament to the value of hard work.
“His personal triumphs and pursuits as a world-class professional footballer inspired many young talented sportsmen and women around Africa to strive for excellence. His great work with our youth and senior national teams unified our country and brought joy to many compatriots.
“His feats within and outside the country, are a rich legacy, which will continue to live on in our hearts.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Nigeria, I commiserate with the family of Mr. Stephen Keshi on this tragic loss. Our thoughts are with his children at this time of sadness especially so soon after the loss of their mother.
“We send our deepest condolences to them and also to the countless friends he made in a lifetime of service. We pray that God grants the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
On his part, FIFA President Infantino in a letter of condolence to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick expressed his ‘deepest sympathy’ over the death of the former Nigerian coach.
“I would like to express my deepest sympathy on hearing the news of the loss of the Nigeria great Stephen Keshi.
“On behalf of the international football community, please allow me to extend my deepest condolences to the football community of Nigeria and, most importantly, to Stephen’s family, friends and loved ones. We hope that, in some way, our words of support may help bring a little bit of peace and solace in this time of sadness,” he said.
Also, Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, Wednesday, described the death of Keshi, as a monumental loss to country and the sports industry.
Mrs Buhari said this in a statement issued by her Director of Media, Malam Zakariyau Nadabo, in Abuja.
“My deepest condolences to the family of Keshi, a sports hero and former coach to Super Eagles, whose death is a great loss to the entire federation.’’
She said in the statement that the news of Keshi’s death came to her as a shock, describing him as a pride to the country
She further said the deceased would be remembered for his various contributions to the development of sports in the country.
The statement prayed Almighty God to grant the Delta Government as well as the people of the state and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
