“It’s really sad the way we just use extreme languages. Right from the moment he passed, I have been actively involved greatly,” Pinnick

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Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick has given reasons why he was not at the burial of former Super Eagles captain and coach Stephen Keshi in his home town, Illah, Delta State on Friday.

Following his absence from the final burial rites, Pinnick came under criticism for not being present especially being a former employer of the late Keshi.

Responding to the criticisms, Amaju claimed on his verified Twitter handle that he was not feeling well on the day of the burial, after having attended the lying-in-state in Benin the previous day.

He also stated that he has been actively involved in preparations towards the burial rites of Keshi.

“It’s really sad the way we just use extreme languages. Right from the moment he passed, I have been actively involved greatly,” Pinnick wrote in response to a jibe on Twitter.

“I followed the motorcade from the morgue to the church in Benin. I was at the service throughout. I followed the motorcade to the stadium. I was there again throughout again.

“I did a two and half hour journey to Asaba. I did the entire programme with them. I had a private meeting with the family to reappraise plans.

“I woke the next morning unwell, threw up. On my way to Illah, I was struggling but had to reverse immediately, I got a member to leave Port Harcourt to attend which he did.

“You people should kindly find out the role I and the NFF played from his death to date.”

In spite of the absense of Pinnick and sports minister Solomon Dalung, Keshi’s burial drew important personalties, including several of his former Super Eagles teammates.