Former Senate President David Mark has described the sudden death of former Super Eagles Captain and Coach, Stephen Keshi as a monumental loss to Nigeria and Africa.
This is contained in a statement signed by MrPaul Mumeh, the Media Assistant to Mark on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mark said that he received with shock and disbelief the news of the death of ``indefatigable Coach Stephen Keshi popularly called the Boss.’’
He described Keshi as one of the greatest and most successful footballers Nigeria had ever produced.
``Till date, no one has beaten his record. As a captain of the Super Eagles in 1994, he won the Africa nations cup in Tunisia.
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Stephen Keshi
(BBC)
``As the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles in 2013, he led Nigeria to win the Nations' cup in South Africa. He was forthright and outspoken. He was steadfast.
``He never compromised his position, especially on professionalism no matter whose ox was gored. Keshi was to African football what Mohammed Ali was to Boxing.
``Only a very few men in the World has such an intimidating credential. We cannot question the will of the Almighty, but this is one death too many,’’ Mark said.
He added that Keshi's death was akin to one death more than a hundred massacred in a pogrom.
``Keshi was one of our greatest footballers. He lived and worked for Nigeria. He certainly left a huge vacuum that would be difficult to fill."
Mark advised Nigerians, especially the football family to take solace in the fact that Keshi left his positive footprint on the sands of time.
He also urged the immediate family to build on the uncommon patriotism, unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood and resourcefulness which Keshi was known for.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased soul and fortitude for the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
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