Keshi, Shaibu to get testimonial game from Lagos

Deceased ex-Super Eagles coaches, Stephen Keshi and Amodu Shaibu, will be honoured with a farewell testimonial game by the Lagos State Government.

Both former Nigeria national team handlers shockingly passed away three days apart in June in Benin City, Edo State.

While Shaibu has since been buried according to Islamic rites, his former assistant, Keshi, will be laid to rest on July 28.

In remembrance of these two great managers who qualified the country for three FIFA World Cup finals, a game will be played on Saturday July 23 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

The event, which is supported by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, will first see Lagos SWAN team face off with the Supporters Club.

The main game which will feature the Super Eagles against a selected Lagos All Stars team.

President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, who is chairman of the committee set up for the game, said the event is meant to raise money for the families of the departed coaches, and also celebrate them.

Ladipo also said money raised in the course of the testimonial would be added to whatever the two families get from other donations across the country.

“The farewell testimonial match will see the Super Eagles players battle against Lagos All Stars team in the main match of the day, while the curtain raiser will be a game between the Lagos SWAN team and the Supporters Club,” Ladipo said on Tuesday.

“This will be followed by a musical concert where prominent Nigerian musicians and comedians will perform in the entertainment aspect of the programme.

“This aspect of the event is coordinated by veteran music act, Chris Mba.”

Keshi led Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations crown twice as player and coach while Shaibu finished third twice.