Tragic: Keshi loses wife to cancer

FORMER Captain and coach of the Super Eagles Stephen Okechukwu Keshi have lost his wife, Kate to cancer.The news of Kate’s demise was made public by Emmanuel Ado on behalf of the Keshi family in a statement he released yesterday, Thursday to the media.

“With gratitude to God the Family Of Mr.Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, CON, announces the death of our dear wife, mother, daughter, sister Mrs.Kate Keshi née Abureme.

“She died in the United States of America. She has in the last three years battled with cancer. She gave a good fight until she finally succumbed yesterday.”

“She is survived by her husband of 33 years, 4 children, her mother, brother and sisters. And numerous relatives. We ask for prayers for her.” the statement read.

In a quick reaction, the NFF President Amaju Pinnick spoke at length with Keshi over the phone on still yesterday, Thursday afternoon, as news of the tragic

“This is devastating. To lose a spouse is the equivalent of a tragedy. I pray that Almighty God will give you and the chil- dren the fortitude to bear this huge loss,” Pinnick told Keshi over the phone.

The ‘Big Boss,’ who captained Nigeria for over 10 years, in the process winning the Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze, coached the squad to a third African title in South Africa early 2013.

He was in charge of the Super Eagles between November 2011 and
June 2015, during which he also led the team to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

“Keshi is a Nigerian hero and we mourn deeply with him at this time.
This has come like a big blow, but we pray that he receives divine strength
to cope with the situation, and we also pray that the Almighty God will grant the departed eternal rest,” Pinnick added.

Sun