Federal Government and Allen Onyema to Honor Stephen Keshi

The Federal Government of Nigeria and Dr. Allen Onyema plan to honor football legend Stephen Okechukwu Keshi during a two-part memorial event. This weekend, as the body of late Henry Onyemanze Nwosu is laid to rest in Naze, near Owerri, the first event will take place in Lagos on Sunday, June 7, 2026. This event marks the 10th Memorial Lecture, organized annually by a foundation established in memory of Keshi by his friends and family, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

On July 28, 2026, exactly a day before the 10th anniversary of Keshi’s death, a special recognition of his contributions as a sports diplomat will occur. His name will be inscribed in gold on the NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame, which honors remarkable Nigerians who have significantly impacted Nigeria’s international politics and diplomacy through sports. The NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame, inaugurated three years prior, acknowledges individuals whose contributions through sports have helped enhance Nigeria's diplomatic stature. This initiative is sponsored by Dr. Allen Onyema and his AirPeace airline, enhancing the beautiful NIIA premises with a garden, water fountains, and the polished black wall where names of revered Nigerian sports figures are etched.

Stephen Keshi, affectionately referred to as ‘the Big Boss,’ is renowned for his role as a player and later as a coach for the Nigerian national team, leading them to significant victories. His addition to the Wall of Fame will be a tribute to his enduring legacy in Nigerian and African football. The recognition will serve as a reminder of Keshi’s significant contributions to both football and the nation, which have been officially acknowledged by the NIIA.