Sports Ministry Abandons Keshi's Family As Burial Rites Near

By Emmanuel Onwubiko

The solemn final rites for legendary late Nigerian Captain and Coach, Stephen Keshi, will start in Benin City, Edo State on Thursday just as information filtered in that the Federal Government has failed to release fund to give him a heroic funeral.

On Tuesday Steve KESHI'S family were shocked as confirmation came that the Nigerian Sports ministry had pulled out of the plans to give the football legend a ‘heroic burial’

The Federal Government has now said it will play its own part for the late soccer icon after the Rio 2016 Olympic Games because of a combination of factors.

“We don’t want a haphazard burial for such a great patriot, that is why the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has said the Federal Government will play its own part after the Olympics,” said a top ministry of ficial. “we will unveil details after the games,” the source added.

The Keshi family is however going ahead with the burial plans beginning with a Church Service on Thursday, July 28 at St’ Paul Catholic Church, Benin City by 9am.

After that, the late ‘Big Boss’ as Keshi was fondly called in his playing and coaching days will be moved to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where a novelty match, organised by his former teammates led by Austin Eguavoen, will take place in his honour, followed by lying-in- state for his numerous admirers to pay their last respect.

After that the body moves to Asaba, the Delta State capital, for another lying- in-state at the Stadium named after him by former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, on Nnebisi Road.

From Asaba, the body will leave for Illah, his home town. First point of call is the St’ John, The Evangelist Catholic Church for a requiem mass. Next will be his home in Illah, for internment.

It is expected that there will be heavy presence of officials of the Edo and Delta State governments at this events heralding the glorious exit of a man who brought glory not only to the two states but the entire Nigerian nation and indeed Africa.