Ex-Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi's Funeral Rites Begins - Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung Explains Low-Key FG Participation

The funeral rites of the late Stephen Keshi started with a mass service at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Benin on Thursday, July 28. The event was well attended by family members, top members of the Nigeria Football Federation, ex-internationals and a host of other well wishers. It was confirmed that the service will be followed by a novelty match in the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin. 

The former Super Eagles captain and coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi died in Benin on June 8, after he was said to have complained of a leg ailment. However, his remains will depart Benin City for Asaba after the church service on Thursday, July 28, to Delta state from 1:15pm. On arrival, there will be lying in state ceremony at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Indoor Hall, Asaba, from 3:15pm, 

While a service of songs/vigil mass will hold at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, Delta state by 6:00pm same day. Friday, July 29, 2016, the body leaves Asaba for Illah by 7am, and there will be a brief stopover at the Ogbelani Palace for traditional rites as a palace chief by 8:00am, followed by lying in state at his family home, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 8:30am. 

The requiem mass will take place at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am after which interment will hold at his family compound, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 12:30pm. Entertainment of guests will be at Omorka Primary School Playground by 12:30pm. The burial ceremonies will be rounded off on Sunday, July 31, with a thanksgiving mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am.

Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung has explained that the Government will rather invest in the future of the family of the former Super Eagles Captain and Coach, Stephen Keshi, than throw a flamboyant burial ceremony.

The planned procession of rites for the late football legend commences on Thursday, with several activities lined up by different groups including the Federal Government, Edo and Delta State Governments as well as the family and friends of the ‘Big Boss’.

However, Dalung said rather than run the risk of falling short on assisting the children of the 54-year-old when more pressing needs arises in the future, he was willing to sacrifice throwing a colorful ceremony.

Keshi passed on June 8th, 2016 in Benin City, Edo State.