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Just when Nigerians were still mourning the death of Stephen Okechukwu Keshi who died on Wednesday, June 8, waking up Saturday morning, another tragedy struck the Nigerian football – the news broke of the death of former Super Eagles coach and technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amodu Shuaibu, who died in his sleep in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
His death came just three days after another ex-national team coach and close friend of Amodu, Stephen Keshi, died in the same town.
The news of the demise of these two former national team coaches still sounds like a dream to many Nigerian sports’ enthusiasts, because nobody saw the tragedies coming.
It’s worthy of note that the former captain and coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, nicked named ‘The Big Boss, was the most successful indigenous coach in Nigeria and Africa at large.
The entire sports fraternity and soccer enthusiasts will never forget his mind-blowing achievements as a player and as a coach. Winning the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) as player and manager speaks volume of his career milestones in just 54 years of his existence here on earth.
The former captain of the Nigeria national team, Keshi, was one of the only two men to win the Africa Cup of Nations both as a player and as a coach.
Playing Career
As a player, Keshi was a tough tackling defender with eyes for goal. He had 64 appearances for the Super Eagles, winning the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1994 and helping Nigerian to the last 16 at the 1994 FIFA World Cup hosted in the USA.
Coaching Career
In recent years, his exploits as a coach made him an iconic figure to be reckoned with on the African continent.
After a successful playing career with Belgian clubs, Keshi went to the US to broaden his scope on the game, where had a coaching course.
The legendary soccer star has been a part of the coaching staff for the Nigerian national team, most notably as head coach for the Junior Eagles at the 2001 African Youth Championship, which also served as qualification for the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship, without success.
Between 2004 and 2006, Keshi coached the Togo national football team, qualifying them to their first World Cup tournament, Germany 2006. Having secured Togo’s qualification, German coach Otto Pfister prior to the World Cup finals replaced him. After Togo showed a dismal performance and failed to advance to the knockout stages in 2006 African Cup of Nations in Egypt, Keshi was re-engaged in 2007.
His finest record was when he took charge of the Super Eagles, and led Nigeria to success at the 2013 AFCON for the first time since he captained the team 19 years back.
Keshi was one of the two most successful coaches in Africa to win the AFCON trophy as a player and coach, and the only Nigerian coach to have achieved that feat.
Despite his differences with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Keshi put his nation first ahead of anything.
His untimely death has generated lots of tributes across Africa, Europe and the rest of the world.
A footballer with exceptional intelligence with creative power and personality, a tactician with high pedigree; Nigerians will never forget you soon.
For Amodu, he led the national team to two World Cup tournaments, and known for discovering and grooming Nigeria’s finest soccer talents.
The ex-Super Eagles coach, Shaibu Amodu, died at the age of 58 on Saturday, June 11, in his house at Delta Crescent, GRA, Benin City.
Until his death, Amodu Shuaibu was the technical director of the NFF, and a four-time coach of the Super Eagles, who complained of chest pain on Friday, June 10 night, before his death at age 58.
The news of Shuaibu’s death threw the entire football community into another round of mourning, especially as he had paid a condolence visit to the family of late Keshi and also signed the condolence register.
“The ‘Big Boss,’ you live good life and ran a good race. Adieu, my brother,” he had written in Keshi’s condolence register.
Playing Career
Amodu was a striker for Dumez and Niger Tornadoes. His playing career ended when he broke his leg.
Coaching Career
The former Niger Tornadoes Shuaibu coached couple of club sides in Nigeria, such as BCC Lions, El-Kanemi Warriors, and Shooting Stars; he also managed Orlando Pirates in South Africa.
Amodu first managed the Nigerian national team from April 2001 to February 2002, where he led Nigeria to the AFCON bronze medal at Mali 2002, but was sacked after the AFCON tournament.
Amodu later said his dismissal was “unfair,” and also said a month later he had yet to receive a formal letter confirming his dismissal.
Again, he was re-appointed head coach of the Nigerian national side in April 2008, and was dismissed on February 2010, despite reaching third place with the national side in the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola.
He also had a spell with the Nigerian home-based Eagles.
The former BCC Lions tactician was appointed technical director of Nigeria’s national teams in May 2013, named technical director of Bendel Insurance F.C in November 2013.
He replaced Stephen Keshi as Nigeria manager in October 2014. It was his fourth spell in charge of the country. Amodu took over the Eagles again temporarily. Following the resignation of Sunday Oliseh, the NFF again appointed Amodu as the new interim coach of the national team.
The new coaching crew alongside Amodu was made up of Salisu Ibrahim, Alloy Agu, Imama Amakapabo and Kennedy Boboye. Amodu’s other accomplishments include Nigerian FA Cup titles with BCC Lions of Gboko and El Kanemi Warriors on multiple occasions.
Conclusion
An iconic hero, Keshi’s Eagles 1994 as player and captain, and as a coach in 2013 successful feat were testaments to his character, determination and willingness to quash doubts. As captain, he led the most successful and entertaining team to date.
He was the Big Boss, very influential among the players, coaches and even authorities, firm and committed.
His success opened doors for African players. Among African football’s best-known figures, Keshi gave his life for his nation, a man of the people.
Amodu and Keshi dedicated their lives to the growth and development of the round-leather game in the country.
Their profound legacies and explicit records for Nigerian football will leave long in the memories of Nigerians, who will forever recall the exploits they recorded across Africa and the world.
Rest in Peace, Stepheh Keshi and Amodu Shuaibu
Anthony Nlebem
