Former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, buried his wife, Kate, in Benin City, Edo State on Friday.
The interment took place after a requiem mass at St Paul’s Catholic Church along Airport Road.
Kate died in December last year after a three -year battle with cancer.
At the deceased grave site to bid her farewell were representatives of Delta State Government, her five children, friends and relatives, including some ex-internationals.
Speaking at the funeral mass, Rev. Fr Paul Enow urged the congregation to live a good a life while on earth.
Enow said death was a necessary end which every mortal must experience.
Kate’s body was conveyed in a hearse provided by the LTJ Funerals Internationals.
Some prominent Nigerian football personalities present include ex-internationals, Austin Eguavoen, Ike Shorunmu, Daniel Amokachi and coach, Shaibu Amodu.
A tearful Keshi described his late wife as a “unique woman”.
He thanked Nigerians, especially those present at the funeral, for their prayers.
His words: “I am honoured that people took out of their busy time to come out and give their last respect to my wife. Most of them have been with my wife, they knew her and probably that’s why they are here. I thank them and every other person, the press, and all Nigerians who were in prayers with my family. I am grateful”.
Eguavoen recalled how the deceased used to show concern and support during their days in the Super Eagles.
He said the late Kate played a big role in her husband’s career.
“Kate was the godmother to my first daughter. She was a lovely mother, wife and sister and we are going to miss her,” he said.
Former Super Falcons coach, Godwin Ezine, said that “this period is for sober reflection. You can imagine staying together for many years and a separation now has come. I sympathize with Keshi and I pray that God Almighty gives him the strength and courage with his family to stand the test of time. It is very sad for all of us but we cannot question God”.
Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah, consoled the family and described Mrs Keshi’s death as painful.
