Keshi loses wife to cancer

. NFF condoles with him
By JOE APU
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
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 33years, 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 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.