By Oyinlola Awonuga (The New Diplomats Entertainment Fashion and Sports Desk)
World football governing body FIFA on Sunday paid tribute to former Nigeria international and Super Eagles coach late Stephen Keshi who passed away in 2016.
FIFA took to its verified Twitter handle to send its tribute.
Stephen Keshi led the @NGSuperEagles to Africa Cup of Nations glory as player & coach, & was the first African coach to qualify two African nations for the #WorldCup.
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“We sadly lost a legend OnThisDay in 2016.”
Keshi made his debut for Nigeria in 198, made 64 appearances scoring nine goals before retiring from international football in 1995.
He helped Nigeria qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup which was the country’s first appearance.
He became the second captain after Christian Chukwu to lead Nigeria to the AFCON title at Tunisia 1994.
As coach he qualified Togo to the 2006 FIFA World Cup hosted in Germany.
As head coach of the Super Eagles he led them to the 2013 AFCON and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
At club level he played for ACB, New Nigeria Bank, Stade d’Abidjan, Africa Sport, Lokeren, Anderlecht and Strasbous.