Keshi, one of only two men to win the African Cup of Nations as a coach and a player, died Wednesday after being rushed to the hospital in Benin City in southern Nigeria.
He and Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary, are only two men to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach.
Keshi’s death was announced by the Nigerian Football Federation. NFF President Amaju Pinnick said the news was ”devastating.”
Keshi captained Nigeria to the African Cup title in 1994 and was coach when Nigeria won in 2013. He also coached the Togo and Mali national teams.
His time in charge of Nigeria was marked by disputes with his NFF bosses, but Keshi was so popular that former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan once personally intervened to make sure he remained as the national coach.
“Big Boss” was supposed to have been unveiled as Orlando Pirates coach in SA, a sign that he was respected for his football leadership.
Some of the Nigerians we spoke to also send their message of condolences to the family.
He lives four children and mother.
He was 54.
His agent in SA Tim Sukazi, who had traveled overseas to clinch the deal was not available for comment at the time of publishing.
Rest in Peace “The Boss”
