The former Super Eagles captain and Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, who died on June 8th at the age of 54 in Benin, will be buried on July 29th at his hometown, Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.According to the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah who is a member of the Keshi burial committee, Keshi’s funeral ceremony will commence on Thursday July 28th and end on Sunday July 31st.
The funeral would kick off in Edo State on Thursday July 28th with a requiem mass at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin-City, from 9:00 am, followed by lying in state at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, also in Benin-City, by 11:00am.
There will also be a novelty match by All Stars as well as a session of tributes in honour of the late soccer star at the stadium.
“The same day, his remains will depart Benin-City for Asaba, Delta State, from 1:15pm. On arrival, there will be lying in state ceremony at Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Indoor Hall, Asaba, from 3:15pm, followed by a novelty match by All Stars and Tributes at Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, from 3:30pm”Ukah said The service of songs/vigil Mass will the same day hold at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 6:00pm, according to the obsequies release. On Friday, July 29th, his body will leave Asaba for his hometown, Illah by 7am.
There will be a lying in state at his family home, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 8:30am. A Requiem Mass will take place at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am followed by interment at his family compound, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 12:30pm.
A thanksgiving will be held at the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah on Sunday July 31st.