The Stephen Keshi Football and Vocational Training Center (SKFVTC) has announced that the 10th Stephen Keshi Anniversary Memorial Lecture will take place on June 7, 2026, at the Main Auditorium of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.
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Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m.
The annual memorial lecture, organised by SKFVTC—also organisers of the Stephen Keshi National Under-17 Football Tournament—is held in honour of late Nigerian football icon Stephen Keshi and his lasting contributions to football and national development.
Stephen Okechukwu Keshi (1962–2016), fondly known as “The Big Boss,” remains one of Africa’s most accomplished football figures.
A commanding central defender, he captained Nigeria’s Super Eagles to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1994 and led the team at their maiden FIFA World Cup appearance the same year.
He later etched his name deeper into history by winning the AFCON again—this time as head coach—in 2013, becoming one of only two Africans to lift the continental title as both player and coach.
Beyond trophies, Keshi was widely celebrated for his belief in homegrown talent, commitment to youth development, and his role in restoring confidence in African coaches at the highest level.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Chairman of the SKFVTC Board of Trustees, Louis Brown Ogbeifun, revealed that the 10th anniversary lecture will be delivered under the theme “Heroes of the Game: Celebrating African Football Legends for Tomorrow’s Aspirants.”
He noted that the lecture will examine the influence of former players and football legends in inspiring young people and advancing football development across Africa.
“Our intention is to celebrate Stephen Keshi and honour his immense contributions to sports and society, particularly in promoting sportsmanship, youth empowerment, and national unity,” Ogbeifun said.
The event is expected to attract leading figures from the sports, political, academic, and business communities.
In addition to the keynote lecture, special awards will be presented to individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to sports development and community advancement.
The programme will also feature the unveiling of the Stephen Keshi Obazuwa Mixed Development Project Model, an initiative designed to establish sustainable structures for identifying and developing talented youths.
Organisers stated that the project aligns with SKFVTC’s mission to promote excellence, discipline, and long-term societal progress—values that defined Stephen Keshi’s life and illustrious career.
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