The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, is set to honour the late Stephen Keshi by inscribing his name on the NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame in Lagos, a monument reserved for Nigerians who have advanced the country’s international standing through sport.

Former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami announced the honour at a memorial lecture held in Lagos for the late coach. He said Keshi’s name will now sit alongside the existing names on the wall, describing his selection as one that had been “considered worthy” and formally approved by the NIIA.

The ceremony is scheduled for July 28, a day before the 10th anniversary of Keshi’s burial. It also falls close to the third anniversary of the monument itself, which was unveiled within the NIIA’s Lagos premises with backing from Air Peace chairman Dr. Allen Onyema, who is again sponsoring the expansion of the wall to include Keshi’s name.

Odegbami used the lecture to reflect on Keshi’s career and character, recalling him fondly by the nickname “Stefan.” He pointed to Keshi’s dual legacy as both a player and a coach who used football to open doors for Nigeria on the continent and beyond, citing his role in guiding a generation of African players into professional football in Europe.

The Wall of Fame is described as a garden setting with water fountains and a black marble wall bearing the names of Nigerian sporting figures judged to have served the country’s diplomatic interests through sport. Organisers say a handful of other Nigerian sports stars are also under consideration for future inclusion, among them world record holding sprinter Tobi Amusan and 1996 Olympic gold medallists Chioma Ajunwa and the Nigerian men’s football team.