He was a national hero – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the late Nigerian soccer star and Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi as a golden sports gem and pacesetter.

He said Keshi’s sudden demise as an untimely loss. Atiku said this in a condolence message issued by his media office in Abuja on Wednesday.

The former Vice President expressed shock and sadness at the passing of the legend at the age of 54.

Atiku was quoted as saying, “It saddens my heart to learn of the stunning news of the death of the golden boy of Nigeria football.

“His departure is more touching when one recalls that Keshi also lost his loving wife of 33 years, Kate, to cancer late last year thus rendering their young children hapless orphans.”