By BUNMI OGUNYALE
The family of late Stephen Keshi will today meet with egg heads of the Nigeria Football Federation to finalise the burial arrangements for the former national team’s handler.
A competent source close to the family hinted that they have agreed on dates for the burial rites and final resting place for the fallen hero.
Daily Sunsports scooped that the AFCON 2013 winning coach would be laid to rest in Illah, his hometown, as against the earlier plans to commit him to mother earth in Benin.
Expected at today’s meeting are; NFF 2nd Vice President/LMC chairman Shehu Dikko, NFF Executive Committee member Sunday Dele-Ajayi, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, while Jennifer Keshi, the younger Stephen Keshi and Emeke Enyihor, husband of Stephanie, one of late Keshi’s daughters will represent the Keshi’s family.
Meanwhile, the Daar Communications Group, owners of Africa Independent Television and Raypower Radio, has pledged support for all programmes around the funeral rites and immortalization of departed Nigerian and African coaching legends Shaibu Amodu and Stephen Keshi.
This pledge was made during a condolence visit on the NFF leadership by top officials of Daar Communications, led by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Tony Akiotu, at the Glass House on Monday.
“The two gentlemen that we lost were among the most successful, capable and patriotic coaches in the annals of African football. They did their job to the best of their ability and in their different ways, projected Nigeria football in a commendable way.
“For these and other reasons, Daar Communications, official media partner of the NFF, will be happy to broadcast all programs around the funeral rites of late Stephen Keshi, as well as any event meant to immortalize both Keshi and Amodu, since the remains of late Amodu have already been committed to mother earth.”
Responding, NFF President Amaju Pinnick commended Daar Communications for the offer and reiterated that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, is keen on not only playing important role in the funeral rites of the late Keshi, but also in immortalizing both Keshi and Shuaibu Amodu.