FG to immortalize Stephen Keshi

Former Super Eagles captain and coach Stephen Keshi is set to be immortalized with induction into the Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), in recognition of his lasting impact on Nigerian football and international sports relations

The announcement was made by former Super Eagles skipper Segun Odegbami during a memorial lecture held in honour of the late football icon in Lagos.

The Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame was created by the NIIA to celebrate Nigerians whose achievements in sports have contributed to the country’s global image and diplomatic influence.

Keshi’s name will be formally added to the monument during a ceremony scheduled for July 28, which is also set to mark the 10th anniversary of his burial. The event further coincides with three years since the monument was unveiled at the NIIA headquarters in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Odegbami confirmed that Keshi had been selected following a review of his contributions to Nigerian football and his broader influence across African football.

He added that Keshi’s legacy extended beyond his playing and coaching career, highlighting his role in developing Nigerian and African talent and helping players transition into professional football in Europe.

“The existing list will now be extended to include the name of former Nigerian Green Eagles captain and national team coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. He has been considered worthy, and his contributions identified, justified and approved by the NIIA,” he said.

“Stephen Keshi played and captained the Nigerian national football team. He also coached and managed the national team of Nigeria to an African Cup victory, qualified and took another African national team, Togo, to the FIFA World Cup, personally opened the way and assisted a whole generation of Nigerian and other African football players in the transition to professional ranks in Europe,” Odegbami added.