Nine years on, Nigeria remembers Stephen Keshi’s enduring legacy

By Dayo Awoniyi

June 7, 2025, marks the ninth anniversary of the death of Stephen Keshi, one of Nigeria’s most iconic football figures.

Keshi, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 54, remains celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the sport—both on the field and from the touchline.

Nicknamed “The Big Boss,” Keshi earned 60 caps and scored nine goals for the Super Eagles between 1981 and 1995.

As a central defender, he captained the national team and played club football in Nigeria, Belgium, and France, establishing himself as one of Africa’s most accomplished players of his era.

Keshi seamlessly transitioned into coaching and quickly rose to prominence. He made history with the Togo national team, leading them to their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006.

After a stint with Mali, he returned to Nigeria to take charge of the Super Eagles.

His most notable achievement came in 2013, when he guided Nigeria to its third Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, ending a 19-year drought.

The following year, he led the team to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, becoming one of only two men to win the AFCON both as a player (1994) and a coach.

Keshi was widely respected for his emphasis on discipline, unity, and belief in local talent. He played a vital role in nurturing a new generation of Super Eagles stars, leaving behind a team culture built on resilience and pride.

Beyond the silverware, Keshi’s influence continues to resonate in Nigerian football. He inspired players, coaches, and fans alike, not only with his achievements but with his leadership and deep love for the game.

As Nigeria commemorates the ninth anniversary of his passing, tributes continue to pour in for a man who reshaped the trajectory of Nigerian football.

Stephen Keshi’s legacy endures—etched in history, celebrated in memory, and felt on every pitch the Super Eagles grace.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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