Today, 23 January, marks the posthumous birthday of late Stephen Keshi, fondly remembered as the Big Boss of Nigerian football. Keshi remains one of the most influential figures in Africa’s football history, both as a player and a coach.
Softfootball gathered, Stephen Keshi was a trailblazing African manager who coached the national teams of Nigeria, Togo, and Mali, leaving an indelible mark wherever he served. He is best known for leading Nigeria to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title and for qualifying Togo (2006) and Nigeria (2014) for the FIFA World Cup.
In 1993, Keshi captained the Super Eagles when Nigeria qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, a historic moment that cemented his legendary status long before his coaching achievements.
Teams coached by Stephen Keshi include:
- Togo National Team (2004–2006, 2007–2008): Led them to their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2006
- Mali National Team (2008–2010): Managed the team during the 2010 AFCON
- Nigeria National Team (2011–2014, 2015): Won AFCON 2013 and reached the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup
- Nigeria Junior Eagles (2001): Coached the team at the African Youth Championship
Keshi remains one of only two individuals to win the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach, a rare feat that highlights his deep understanding and influence on the game.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, via their official X handle, paid tribute to the Big Boss today, sparking widespread reactions from fans, former players, and football lovers across the continent, once again celebrating a man whose legacy continues to inspire African football.