He was scheduled to return to the United States on Wednesday evening before he suffered cardiac arrest.
The former international football player and coach had lost his wife of 35 years, Kate, last year after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Newsmen confirmed his death from a member of his family as well as one of his close associates.
“He was not ill at all, never showed any signs of illness, but we suspect he never got over the death of his wife,” a friend said.
He is survived by four children and his mother.
Keshi, the only Nigerian coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations, achieved a rare feat in 2013 by becoming only the second person to win the trophy both as a player and a coach.
The only other person to have achieved the feat is Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary.
Keshi, a product of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, started his playing career at a very young age at ACB Football Club, and later played for New Nigeria Bank, Stade d’Abidjan, Africa Sports, Lokeren, Anderlecht, RC Strasbourg, and a host of other clubs.
He represented Nigeria from 1982, at age 20, till 1994, most of the time captaining the Super Eagles and scoring vital goals from his position as a central defender.
He also coached Togo and Nigeria at the World Cup, as well as Mali.
Keshi, nicknamed the “Big Boss” for his leadership skills, is the fifth member of the all-conquering 1994 team to die, following Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini and Wilfred Agbonavbare.
‘HE WAS FOUND REST’
Meanwhile, the family has released a statement announcing his death.
The statement signed by Emmanuel Ado was titled: “Stephen Keshi CON has gone to be with his wife”.
“With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Fredrick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi,” Ado wrote.
“Our son, brother, father, father-in-law,brother-in-law, has gone to be with his wife of 35 years (Nkem), Mrs. Kate Keshi, who passed on on the 9th December 2015.
“Since her death, Keshi has been in mourning. He came back to Nigeria to be with her. He had planned to fly back today Wednesday, before he suffered a cardiac arrest. He has found rest.
“We thank God for his life.
“We want to ask for understanding in this very difficult time for the family.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Death is heartless!
ReplyDeleteWhat a shocking news!
ReplyDeleteMay his soul rest in peace ✌.
Rest in peace keshi.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Keshi!
ReplyDeleteMay you find peace and rest in our Lord's bossom away from this sinful world. Amen. Your legacies shall endure.
ReplyDeleteWe have lost big, the nation has lost an icon, Steve you lived an exemplary life. May your soul R.I.P
ReplyDeleteWhat a loss to Nigeria. RIP
ReplyDeleteADIEU keshi. You will fondly be remembered by all Nigerians
ReplyDeleteRest in peace great icon
ReplyDeleteQuite a loss
ReplyDeleteQuite a loss
ReplyDeleteRest in peace our amiable coach.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Keshi the big boss
ReplyDeleteRIP
ReplyDeletedeath why did u steal our icon?
ReplyDeleteThis is quite shocking and believable. If only death could be appeased. Rest in peace the people's hero and icon, Nigeria and the soccer world will surely miss you. Adiu the big boss. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
ReplyDeleteMy sincere sympathy to the children. And to THE BOSS, May your soul rest in the Lord!
ReplyDeletetoo sad, may his soul rest in peace
ReplyDeleteLife is a gift from God Almighty. He alone knows the numbers of our days on earth, life without Him is useless and empty. Our struggles here with bitterness, backstabbing, anger and enmity separate us from our Maker. Always remember that there's a day of reckoning with the Father once dead no winding back the hand of time, it will all be over. We all have a limited time here on earth, what are you doing with your time? The wealth of this world will all be left behind, nakedness we came and with nakedness we shall all return. So why all these ungodliness. Where will you be when the trumpet for your Spirit, Soul and Body shall sound? Will you be found enjoying what is not yours? Stephen Kechi came, saw and conquered, and today no more. For he has gone unannounced to the world beyond. Beloved, we loved and missed you but God loves you most, good night.
ReplyDeleteRIP
ReplyDeleteMay his soul rest peacefully
ReplyDeleteI am pained.
Keshi I cried for you today when the news on your demised came to me, though I have not met you personally but being one of your admirers it touches my heart to hear this sudden death of yours. May you be receive in the bossom of the Lord and grant your family the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragedy and big loss to the entire nation. BIG BOSS, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace of the LORD!
ReplyDeleteRest in peace the big boss
ReplyDeleteMay hi soul rest in peace
ReplyDeleteMay hi soul rest in peace
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace, Keshi. Nigeria and Nigerians all miss you but we thank God for bringing you in our time.
ReplyDelete