The Super Eagles of Nigeria have paid a heartfelt tribute to their legendary former captain and coach, Stephen Keshi, on the ninth anniversary of his death, celebrating his lasting influence on Nigerian football.
Keshi, popularly known as “The Big Boss”, died on June 7, 2016, at the age of 54. He remains a towering figure in African football history, being the only Nigerian to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) both as a player and as a coach.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, the Nigeria national team hailed Keshi’s contributions on and off the pitch.
“Today, we remember The Big Boss. As both a captain and coach, Keshi led the Super Eagles with passion, pride, and an unshakable belief in Nigerian talent,” the post read.
“He guided Nigeria to its third Africa Cup of Nations title in 2013, becoming only the second person in history to win the tournament as both player and coach.
His leadership inspired generations, and his vision helped elevate Nigerian football on the global stage.
Forever in our hearts, forever a Super Eagle. Rest in power, ‘Big Boss’.”
William Troost-Ekong, current Super Eagles captain who made his international debut under Keshi, also paid tribute, quoting the post with a simple message:
“RIP IDOL.”
Troost-Ekong’s message came a day after he celebrated ten years with the national team.
Nigerian lawmaker and football enthusiastAkin Alabi joined in the remembrance, sharing a vintage clip of Keshi during his playing days with a glowing caption.
“The Big Boss, Stephen Keshi was a baller. From this clip, you wouldn’t even know he was a defender. A central defender!” he wrote.
“I regard him as the greatest ever sportsman from Nigeria. Continue to rest in peace.”
Born on January 23, 1962, Keshi earned 60 caps for Nigeria and captained the Super Eagles to victory at the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia. He also played a key role in Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance later that same year in the United States.
Keshi’s club career spanned several countries, including Ivory Coast, France, Belgium, the United States, and Malaysia. Notably, he won the Belgian First Division title withAnderlecht in 1991.
Keshi’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerian footballers and coaches, and his enduring belief in local talent remains a cornerstone of the national team’s philosophy.
