Nothing is too much for Keshi, says Akinwale

Former international, Shola Akinwale, says nothing is too much to honour Stephen Keshi as preparation peaks for a befitting burial for the coach who earned his spurs in Nigeria and on the African continent.
“There are born leaders and leaders that are made. Keshi was a born leader with a natural leadership quality.
“He exhibited that quality right from his youthful days till he died and that was why we called him ‘Big Boss’.
“He knew what he wanted. At a time, he determined who played for the national team. That was the type of person he was,” Akinwale recalled.
“As a coach, he was friendly with his colleagues, very open minded, a cheerful giver. He fought for his players to be well motivated.
“He should be immortalised. He also deserves a post-homous national award. Perhaps, the National Stadium in Abuja should be named after him.
Akinwale, the second highest goal scorer in the 1991 season under 3SC of Ibadan with 11 goals, advocated that “there should be a change from the government towards ex-internationals. It has not been on record that the government has done anything special to our fallen colleagues.
“What did the government do for Rashidi Yekini, Muda Lawal, Alloysius Atuegbu or even Sam Okwaraji who died on the pitch?
“It should also look into the welfare of the children left behind by Keshi as well as his mother.”
Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, described Keshi as a veritable achiever and trail blazer, who changed the lot of Nigerian footballers for the better.
“Thus, whatever good things that have happened to Nigerian football because of any influence from our having numerous footballers performing in the world’s best football leagues, should be credited to Keshi.
“Most of all, he remained a mentor to both his mates and those that followed behind them,” said Ibori.
TheNiche learnt that Keshi will be buried in his ancestral home of Illah, Delta State with the federal, Edo, Delta and Cross River State governments showing interest to be part of the funeral.
Family sources said the first port of call will be Abuja, where players of the national teams, led by Super Eagles Skipper, John Mikel Obi, will participate in the rites of passage of one of the greatest figures in Nigerian football both as a player and coach.
Keshi’s children are also expected to arrive from the United States for the burial.