President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Engr. Habu Gumel, Secretary General, Hon Tunde Popoola were gutted by the news of the untimely death of former Super Eagles Captain and coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi wednesday.
The flamboyant coach who was the longest captain of the Super Eagles and also one of two Africans to win the African Cup of Nations as player and coach died early morning Wednesday.
Gumel described Keshi as a hero who left an incredible mark on the sands of time in Nigeria, Africa and World.
Quoting Fred Rogers, Gumel said; ”anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero”. ”He did much more to help Nigerians with his God-given talent. He united Nigerians with his leadership in the Eagles and achieved what most people older could not. We’re devastated but pray for the well being of his children and family he left behind”, Gumel grasping to come to terms with the death of the 54-year old said.
Secretary General, Hon Tunde Popoola could not hold his emotions. ”What do you mean? How can Keshi die? Why?”, Popoola, a long time friend of the Big Boss repeatedly asked as tears welled in his eyes. The secretariat of the NOC at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos was like a graveyard as the staff gathered in groups discussing the death the icon.
