)
Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum's last day celebrated supporting Nigeria's Super Eagles in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum's final moments were spent in high spirits rallying for Nigeria in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match against Ivory Coast.
Kiptum, who tragically lost his life in a road accident nearly two weeks ago, was a beacon of hope and inspiration not just in his home village of Chepsamo but across the globe.
)
21:04 - 22.02.2024
FOOTBALL Sports CS Ababu Namwamba briefs CAF on AFCON 2027 & CHAN 2024 preparations
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba briefed CAF on Kenya's readiness for hosting AFCON 2027 and CHAN 2024
On that fateful Sunday evening, Kiptum was among the enthusiastic crowd at Well Irish Pub and Restaurant in Eldoret, watching the English Premier League match where his favorite team, Manchester United, emerged victorious against Aston Villa.
The joy of the win was short-lived as Kiptum and his Rwandese coach, Garvais Hakizimana, met their untimely demise later that night.
)
20:35 - 22.02.2024
FOOTBALL Dani Alves goes from being worth £47m to being over 3000 times broke following jail sentence
Embatled Dani Alves once had a £47m (Ksh 8.7 billion) fortune but now worth over 3000 times less after being found guilty of raping a woman in a nightclub in Spain.
But it was his support for the Super Eagles in their journey to the AFCON final that left an indelible mark on those close to him.
In a conversation with his mother, Mary Kangongo, hours before the accident, Kiptum expressed his unwavering support for Nigeria.
"He was always joking - we spoke on the night of his death and he was joking about the Africa Cup of Nations final.
He told me that I should support Nigeria but I told him I wouldn't be watching football as it was on too late," Kangongo recounted to the BBC.
)
20:33 - 22.02.2024
FOOTBALL How Somalia's Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq propelled Qatar to Asian Cup success
Somali-origin players Afif and Abdirisaq play pivotal roles in leading Qatar to victory in the AFC Asian Cup.
Kiptum's death has sent shockwaves through Chepsamo, where he lived with his wife and two children.
Known for his dedication on and off the track, he was in the process of building a family home on land he had recently purchased.
)
18:04 - 22.02.2024
FOOTBALL Africa Cup of Nations winner admitted to hospital
A footballer has been hospitalized with malaria post-Africa Cup of Nations win, joining others affected, including a tragic loss.
In a moving gesture, the government has begun constructing a house for his widow and a separate one for his parents, honoring the legacy of a national hero.
With the country gearing up for a grand funeral service set to take place at the local primary school in Chepsamo, attended by dignitaries including President William Ruto and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, Kiptum's memory is celebrated far and wide.
)
17:33 - 22.02.2024
FOOTBALL Porto coach sends Mikel Arteta brusque response after Arsenal coach criticized his playing style
Sergio Conceicao has brutally responded to Mikel Arteta, slamming the Arsenal manager's playing style after the Spaniard had openly critisised the Poto coach's tactics.
Kiptum was driving a Toyota Premio with two passengers on board — Hakizimana and a woman identified as Sharon Kosgey — heading to Eldoret on the night of February 11.
Follow our Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more updates.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)