Keshi’s Son Thanks The World, Releases Statement

Stephen Keshi Junior has released a press
statement from his base in Atlanta Georgia,
thanking the world for the kind words they
have been rendering towards his late
father and the support his family have
gotten so far. He says it is not easy losing
both parents in 6 months, but he is sure
they are together. Here’s what he said.
“We’re still mourning our father, we’re
still shocked and confused. Words can’t
describe our feelings right now, but we
want to remain joyful, remain happy,
because he was a joyful and happy person.
For us what helps is our parents are
together now; they were together on earth
for 33 years. It soothes us that they are
together in heaven.
“He was our loving father, widower,
grandfather, brother, friend, pioneer,
mentor and hero. Our father was a joyful
person, he hated sadness with a passion.
We are grateful for all the love, support
and condolence from everyone on the loss
of such an iconic African.
“We appreciate all the phone calls, texts,
messages and posts on social media. It is
not easy to lose both parents within a 6-
month period. It is important to know that
you have been there for us before and will
be there for us going forward. Keshi with
his late wife Kate.
“Stephen Keshi was a just man, who
believed and championed the cause of
every teammate when he played the game
and every player when he was a coach. He
served his nation and people with pride
and joy. He always had a smile on his face
whenever he did it.
“His illustrious football career took him
outside of Nigeria to Ivory Coast first,
before he made the trip to Europe; a trip
footballer’s make today and he was one of
the first to embark on such journey. Our
father was a man of the people; he
welcomed everyone with open arms as a
player and even more as a manager when
he was with Togo, Mali and most recently
the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
“As we mourn the loss of a great man, we
want everyone to join us in celebrating his
remarkable life and even though it was
taken away from us quicker than expected,
we hope his life serves as a great example,
his experience and how he fought for what
was right is seen by younger generations as
something to aspire to.
“We will keep you updated on where and
when the wake keeping in California and
Georgia will be as well as information
about the burial in Nigeria. Let us celebrate
and honour Stephen Keshi, celebrate his
example to serve his country, honour his
accomplishments as a player, father and
coach, remember the smile and energetic
laughter he had that brightened every
room he walked into. “