Former Nigeria international defender Kelechi Emeteole has passed on at the age of 66, according to the country’s football apex body, the NFF.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Emeteole “died in the early hours of Wednesday in India where he had gone for surgery for throat cancer.”
NFF general secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi further described the death of the former Nigerian defender as “a rude shock”, adding that Emeteole’s passing on brings back reminder of the deaths of Stephen Keshi and Shuaibu Amodu.
“The death of Mr Kelechi Emeteole came to us as a rude shock. A year ago, we lost two legends in the persons of Stephen Keshi and Shuaibu Amodu in the month of June. This year, also in the month of June, we have now lost another legend who served the nation creditably, energetically and meritoriously.
“Our hearts go out to his caring family that he has now left: his doting wife and children as well as relations. We pray that they will have the fortitude to bear the loss. We also pray that the soul of the departed finds eternal rest. Nigerian Football will miss him dearly,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, told thenff.com.
Our thoughts are with the family & friends of ex-int’l & former Beach soccer head coach Kelechi Emeteole, following his demise #RIPEmeteole
The League Management Company (LMC), which oversees the running of the Nigeria top flight, also expressed “heartfelt condolences” to the family of Emeteole.
Our heartfelt condolences are with the family & friends of Kelechi Emeteole who worked with several #NPFL clubs as coach #RIPEmeteole
Emeteole was a member of the Nigerian men’s national team that finished third at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia, and then assistant coach of the Super Eagles.
‘Caterpillar’, as Emeteole was known for his rugged defensive style, made 17 appearances for Nigeria and scored four goals. He also worked as head coach at Heartland, Enugu Rangers and El-Kanemi Warriors as well as with the country’s beach soccer national team.
He mostly played for Spartans, which later became Iwuanyanwu Nationale and now Heartland FC.
Loud Whispers 
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