‘Big Boss’ Stephen Keshi to Be Immortalised at NIIA Memorial Lecture and Wall of Fame

This weekend marks the first of two events celebrating late football legend Stephen Okechukwu Keshi at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos. The memorial lecture, organised by his family and friends, will honour his contributions on June 7, 2026. On July 28, 2026—one day before the 10th anniversary of his passing—Keshi’s name will be inscribed in gold on the NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame. This national monument recognises Nigerians who have advanced the country’s diplomatic goals through sports. Sponsored by Dr. Allen Onyema’s AirPeace, the wall sits in a landscaped garden at the NIIA headquarters. It already bears 69 names of sporting heroes whose impact went beyond the pitch. Keshi captained and coached the Super Eagles to an African Cup victory and led Togo to its first World Cup. I remember him fondly as “Stefan,” and I’m proud to see his legacy recognised alongside other greats.

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