The ancient city of Benin, Edo State, capital, turned Nigeria’s football capital city Friday, when top dignitaries in the nation’s football converged to pay their last respect to the late wife of former captain and chief coach of the Super Eagles,Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, Kate, who died of cancer.

Among top dignitaries at the burial ceremony was chairman of Edo State Football Association, Frank Ilaboya, the technical director of the NFF, Shaibu Amodu, ex-Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen and former assistant coach to Keshi, Daniel Amokachi‎.‎

The remains of the late Kate Keshi

Stephen Keshi, who spoke in low tone, described his late wife as “a unique wife,” and “a wife that every man would love to have.” He thanked his friends, colleagues in the soccer business and all Nigerians who stood by his family both physically and in prayers during their trying period.

“I am honoured that they took out time despite their busy schedule to come and give their last respect to my wife. Most of them have been with my wife, they knew her and probably that’s why they are here. I thank them and every other person, the press, and all Nigerians who were in prayers with my family. I am grateful,” ‎he said.

Stephen Keshi performing dust to dust to his late wife.

Born on 17 September, 1962, the late Kate Keshi, a graduate of Nursing from the University of Phoenix, USA and mother of four, died on 9 December, 2015, in USA where she was based, haven battled cancer for several years.‎ She was ‎laid to rest at her husband’s house at Ugiokhuen Quarters, Ugbor, GRA, in Benin, after a ‎requiem mass held at St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport.

Stephen Keshi with his children mourning.