African football woke up on Wednesday morning to sad news, as it was announced that legendary former Nigerian player and coach Stephen “Big Boss” Keshi passed away in the early hours. He passed away at the age of 54 reportedly due to a heart attack, having lost his life to cardiac arrest.
The retired Super Eagles defender become only the second man in history to win the African Cup of Nations as both player and coach, having played for his national side from 1981-1995, earning 64 caps.
The Big Boss was part of the unforgettable Nigerian side that made the second round of the 1994 World Cup in USA, before repeating this feat but as coach in 2014 after guiding the Super Eagles past the group stage in the 2014 edition in Brazil.
Former Nigeria Captain and Coach, Stephen Keshi, is dead. Reports say the legend died in the early hours of Wednesday, RIP Big Boss.
— The NFF (@thenff) June 8, 2016
Keshi’s finest moment as manager was leading his country to the AFCON trophy, beating Burkina Faso in the final back in 2013. However, his success as coach wasn’t restricted to only Nigeria, as he enjoyed a successful spell with Togo, helping Adebayor and Co. qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
The iconic Nigerian, who helped pave the way for African players to enjoy football in Europe after joining Belgian giants Anderlecht, unexpectedly died in Benin City in southern Nigeria. Tributes quickly poured in for the African football legend.
Massive loss to African football. THE BIG BOSS is no more. And he could have been on our TV screens coaching a PSL side. #RipKeshi
— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) June 8, 2016
I don't think Nigerians respected him enough. But it doesn't change anything because deep down, we all knew how great he was. #RIPKeshi
— Deji Kofi Faremi (@deejayfaremi) June 8, 2016
What a sad news..Stephen keshi has passed away..#RIPKeshi
— Mido (@midoahm) June 8, 2016
A legend has fallen. Praying for Stephen Keshi's family and friends. #RIPBigBoss
— ThatoMoeng (@ThatoMoeng) June 8, 2016
Stephen Keshi played 64 matches for Nigeria and scored 9 goals. His career tally is 386 matches, scoring 61 goals. #RIPKeshi #RIPBigBoss
— Bolarinwa Olajide (@iambolar) June 8, 2016
If there's one virtue #Keshi had, it was taking with grace publicly the criticism/abuse that came his way. That's a LEADER. #RIPKeshi
— Ufuoma Egbamuno (@Foskolo) June 8, 2016
Not only with Super Eagles team did Stephen Keshi performed Miracles.He was a savior to TOGOLESE football team
— Kemi Ariyo (@d_problemsolver) June 8, 2016
This guy was GREAT!#RIPKeshi
Rest in peace boss. Thanks for the memories #RIPKeshi pic.twitter.com/X59F165t8E
— Tola (@Barzagirl_) June 8, 2016
54 years on earth but made so much impact, set many records, touched many lives positively. His race is now over. Run yours well #RIPKeshi
— Segun Sopitan (@SegunSopitan) June 8, 2016
Respect my biggest boss...Rest In Peace.
— Oluwatoyin Ibitoye (@Toyin_Ibitoye) June 8, 2016
Stephen Keshi and I....16 years ago. #RIPStephenKeshi. pic.twitter.com/l9GAKYrJag
I woke up to the devastating news of coach Stephen Keshi's death. I am still in shock. Sad sad day for Nigeria.
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) June 8, 2016
Stephen Keshi also a trailblazer & strong advocate for African coaches - first African coach to lead a team to the last 16 of a World Cup.
— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) June 8, 2016
Stunned & shaken by the passing of Stephen Keshi at 54. Lived in US for many years. Deserved world coach of the year consideration in 2013.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) June 8, 2016
Oh no Stephen Keshi. Will never forget how you made John Obi Mikel play like a king at the 2013 Afcon. Probably the only coach that got him.
— Tomas Danicek (@TomDanicek) June 8, 2016
He made us proud!!! Still in shock!!! RIP Coach Stephen Keshi https://t.co/AZ2DhRjK66
— Peter Okoye MrP (@PeterPsquare) June 8, 2016
