Stephen Keshi, former Super Eagles captain and coach has died at the age of 54 in Benin City, Edo state.

Keshi is reported to have died as a result of a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

According to his family, Keshi has been mourning the death of Kate, his wife of 35 years who lost her battle with cancer in 2015.

A statement signed by family spokesman, Emmanuel Ado confirming his death, reads, “With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Fredrick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi.”

“Our son, brother, father, father-in-law,brother-in-law, has gone to be with his wife of 35 years (Nkem), Mrs. Kate Keshi, who passed on on the 9th December 2015.”

“Since her death, Keshi has been in mourning. He came back to Nigeria to be with her. He had planned to fly back today Wednesday, before he suffered a cardiac arrest. He has found rest.”

“We thank God for his life. We want to ask for understanding in this very difficult time for the family.”

Apart from coaching the Nigerian national team on two separate occasions, Keshi also managed the Togolese national team during his illustrious coaching career.

Ada Igboanugo