Etim Esin, Onazi Pay Tribute To Late Stephen Keshi

Several former Nigerian internationals and current Super Eagles players have began to express shock at the news of the sudden death of Stephen Keshi, who served Nigeria as a player and also as a coach.

The news broke out in the very early hours of Wednesday that the one of the two Africans, who won the African Cup of Nations as a player and then went ahead to win it as a coach passed away.

Until his death, the big boss was said to have been very healthy, except for the fact that he was yet to get over his wife's death.

Keshi was the captain of the Nigerian senior national team that won the second AFCOn title in Tunisia in 1994, and then went ahead to qualify for the very first world cup in USA, where they were knocked out in the second round by the Roberto Baggio led Italy.

The 'Big Boss' was also responsible for taking Togo to their debut world cup in 2006, where they crashed out in the first round, with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayo and some others.

Among the first to react to Keshi's death was Etim Esin, "Oh life, my captain, big boss, a professional pathfinder, stevo our icon, legend as a player as a coach, guess NFF department of failure will be happy now, all 94 legends àre passing away, God knows best RIP." Etim wrote on his facebook page.

Sunday Oliseh also took to his twitter handle to express the rude shock the news of the 54-year old brought, when he said:

"Horrible news and sad day as our legendary captain and brother, Stephen Keshi dies. May his blessed soul rest in peace. We lost an iconic hero today."

SS Lazio's Ogenyi Onazi said in his tribute: "The man who believed in me and told me you will become great and make difference in any where i play. Rest in Peace Big Boss. May God grant you good rest sir." the words of Super Eagles assistant captain on instagram

Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme said he only heard of his good works from afar; adding that he couldn't believe the news when it broke.

Samson Siasia and Odion Ighalo also joined others to mourn Keshi, whose death news is still unbelievable to many.