Finally, Stephen Keshi Goes Home

At last, the remains of the deported former Super Eagles gaffer, Stephen Keshi will be committed to mother earth at his home town of Illah, Delta State today. The rites of passage which began yesterday in Benin City, with the Federal Government conspiciously absent, however drew a lot of mourners and sympathisers from several sporting circles including the Togolese National Football Federation, whose delegation was led by the president.

The one-hour church service at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin city was concelebrated by the hierachy of the Catholic’s clergy across the Benin Archdiocese and beyond. The novelty match which held right inside the main bowl of the Samuel Osaigboro Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin city with the casket bearing Keshi’s body draped in national colours displayed for public viewing was between the ex-internatonals and a select All-Stars side. The game  ended one goal apiece with Keshi’s former teammates Augustine Eguavoen, Peter Rufai, Uche Okechukwu, Mutiu Adepoju, Austin Popo, Victor Ikpeba and Edema Fuludu starring for the ex-international’s side. The president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick was on hand to ensure that the activities went smoothly.

The hearse bearing the former coach’s remains arrived the indoor Hall of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Thurday evening and was received by the Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa alongside other top dignitaries including the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Brutu Otuaro, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Monday Igbiya and Member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Hon. Amaechi Mrakpor.

At Asaba, Stephen Keshi’s children who expressed shock at the Federal Government’s absence at their father’s burial however showered praises on the governments of Edo and Delta States for showing support and contributing to the efforts to give the 2013 African Nations Cup winning coach a befitting burial.

After the series of interment rites and the final burial inside the Keshi compound later today, sympathisers will be given some refreshment at the playground of Omorka Primary School in Illah.