Former Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, has announced the death of his wife, Kate, in the United States of America.
A statement from Emmanuel Ado, on behalf of the Keshi family, confirmed that the 54-year-old lost a three-year-long fight against cancer on Wednesday night in the United States.
“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,” the statement said.
“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 33 years, 4 children, her mother, brother, sisters and numerous relatives. We ask for prayers for her,” the statement said.
Keshi, who had earlier revealed to Completesportsnigeria.com that his wife had been ill for a while, said he never expect that the ailment would claim her life
“She is more like a sister to me and was the rock behind me and everything I do. My love for her was at first sight,” he said.
He however revealed that the burial arrangements will be made public in the coming weeks.
Keshi credits his successful football career to his wife. He said about her three years ago: “It has been wonderful with my wife, though tough. But marrying somebody you truly love, is a good thing, really she is truly a God-sent to me. So far the marriage has fetched us five children, two boys and three girls.”
He added: “it was love at first sight. My wife and I didn’t date for long, before we got married. When I saw her, I knew she was my wife.”
Keshi remains the most successful footballer-cum-coach on the continent – winning the African Cup of Nations as both a coach and player in 1994 and 2013 respectively.
The 53-year-old, who also won Africa Cup of Nations silver and bronze as a player, 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 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.
He also had a successfully stint as coach of the Hawks of Togo, qualifying them for the FIFA World Cup in 2006.
“This is devastating. To lose a spouse is the equivalent of a tragedy. I pray that Almighty God will give you and the children the fortitude to bear this huge loss,” Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, told Keshi over the phone.
The NFF official website also quotes him as saying “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.”
