Former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has lost his wife Kate.
The 54-year-old died in the United States on Wednesday night after a battle with cancer for three years.
“Mrs Kate Keshi 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 (Wednesday),” Keshi’s representative Emmanuel Ado said in a statement on Thursday.Ado said the deceased had four children with the former Nigeria captain after 33 years of marriage.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has condoled with Keshi over the development.
NFF President Amaju Pinnick spoke at length with Keshi over the phone on Thursday afternoon, as news of the tragic incident filtered into the public space.
“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,” Pinnick told Keshi over the phone.
The Big Boss, who captained Nigeria for over 10 years, in the process winning the Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze, coached the squad to a third African title in South Africa early 2013.
He 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 World Cup in Brazil.
