Stephen Keshi : Super Eagles players pay tribute on one-year anniversary of his death

Super Eagles players observed a one-minute silence for Stephen Keshi who died on this day in 2016.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday, June 7 pay tribute to Nigerian football great Stephen Keshi on the one-year anniversary of his death.

Keshi who won two African Cup of Nations (AFCON) twice with Nigeria- one as a player and the other as a coach- passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

He was buried in his hometown of Illah in Delta State in July.

On the one-year anniversary of his death, the Super Eagles of Nigeria observed a one-minute silence before kicking off a training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.The Super Eagles are preparing for their 2019 AFCON qualifier against South Africa on Saturday, June 10.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also paid tribute to Keshi writing on Twitter; “We say not in grief you are no more, but we live in thankfulness that you were. Rest on BIG BOSS! Late Stephen Keshi.”

A host of Super Eagles players also took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late Keshi.

Keshi made his first appearance for the Super Eagles in 1981 at age 20 and the central defender retired in 1994 after picking up 64 caps.

He scored nine goals and captained the Super Eagles to their second AFCON title in Tunisia 94. He also led Nigeria to their first ever FIFA World Cup in USA where they were knocked out by Italy in the second round.

At the end of his playing Career, Keshi headed to the United States to get his coaching badges.

 He was part of the coaching staff for the Nigerian national team on several fronts, including being the head coach for the Junior Eagles at the 2001 African Youth Championship.

He was appointed coach of Togo and led them to FIFA World Cup qualification and also coached the Mali national team.

He led Nigeria as a coach to 2013 AFCON title and to FIFA World Cup qualification in 2014 where they reached the second round.