Family proposes July 28 for Keshi’s burial

The family of Stephen Keshi has proposed July 28 for his burial, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The late former Super Eagles coach’s elder brother and spokesman for the family Sylvester Keshi told NAN in Illah, Delta State, on Tuesday that the family had begun preparations for the burial.

Sylvester said, “For now, we are proposing July 28 for the burial, although we are still awaiting the constitution of the burial committee being planned by the Nigeria Football Federation.

“At present, we are planning ahead for Stephen’s burial. We are still meeting, consulting and making preparations to give our son a befitting burial.

“We are making preparations for the renovation of his family house here in Illah.”

According to him, a representative of the family, Mr. Emma Ado held several meetings with the NFF and a letter was sent to the sports ministry about the burial plans for the former Nigeria captain.

Sylvester added, “Emma Ado, who was Stephen’s agent, has been liaising with the football house and letters have been dispatched in respect of the burial.

“So, I want to believe that in the comings days, we will have a burial committee to work with because it is not just a family burial, the government is involved too.”

He said the Delta and Edo governments had indicated their interest in the burial, adding that the full details of the programme would be made public as soon as the committee was constituted.

Sylvester said, “For now, the family has not received any contribution from anybody or organisation for the burial. People are just indicating their interest to be part of the burial. We are still consulting.”

He confirmed the Tunisia ’94 and South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner would be buried in his hometown, Illah.

He said Keshi, who buried his late wife last December in Benin, had confided in his family that he should be buried in his ancestral family home in Ukpologwu Quarters in Illah community, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta.

“Before his death, Stephen had told his children and close family members that he should be buried in Illah when he dies. He is a son of the soil, so his wish stands,” Sylvester said.