VP Professor Yemi Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described the sudden death of former Nigeria’s coach and football captain, Stephen Keshi as saddening for Nigeria.

The Vice President paid tribute to the late footballer who died yesterday in Benin Edo State in a message he personally signed on Wednesday noted that as “captain and coach of our national football team, his (Keshi) service, dedication and achievements, including lifting the African Nations Cup both as a player and then as a coach, remain a great testament to the value of hard work.”

“His personal triumphs and pursuits as a world-class professional footballer inspired many young talented sportsmen and women around Africa to strive for excellence.

“His great work with our youth and senior national teams unified our country and brought joy to many compatriots. His feats within and outside the country, are a rich legacy, which will continue to live on in our hearts,” the Vice President added.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Nigeria, I commiserate with the family of Mr. Stephen Keshi on this tragic loss. Our thoughts are with his children at this time of sadness especially so soon after the loss of their mother. We send our deepest condolences to them and also to the countless friends he made in a lifetime of service

“We pray that God grants the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” Vice President Osinbajo concluded in the tribute.