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Ten years after his death, former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi will have his name inscribed on the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame.
The PUNCH reports that the honour recognises his immense contributions to Nigerian football.
Former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami confirmed the announcement during the late coach’s memorial lecture in Lagos.
The NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame serves as a national monument established by the Nigerian government agency to immortalise citizens who advance the country’s international politics and diplomatic goals through sports.
Officials will celebrate Keshi’s role in promoting Nigeria’s foreign relations through football at a special ceremony on July 28, just one day before the 10th anniversary of his burial.
The event also marks the third anniversary of the monument’s erection at the NIIA premises in Lagos, which Dr Allen Onyema and Air Peace sponsored.
Odegbami stated that the NIIA thoroughly reviewed and approved Keshi’s credentials for the honour.
He highlighted how Keshi captained the national team, coached the Super Eagles to an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory, and qualified Togo for the FIFA World Cup.
Furthermore, Keshi paved the way for a whole generation of African players to secure professional careers in Europe.
Affectionately nicknamed the “Big Boss,” Keshi died on June 7, 2016, at age 54 in Benin City and rests in Illah, Delta State.
He famously won the AFCON title both as a player in 1994 and as a coach in 2013.
The former Anderlecht defender also guided Nigeria to the 2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stages and secured the CAF Coach of the Year award twice, in 2005 and 2013.
