Pele visits Nigeria August 11

FOREMOST Brazilian football legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimentor, popularly addressed as “Pele’’ will on Thursday, August 11 storm Nigeria to attend a two-day programme on youth development and empowerment.

The facilitators of the visit, Winihin Jemide Series (WJS) and Youth Experience Days Africa (YEDA), made this known while addressing newsmen on Friday in Lagos.

The football icon, is renowned for many achievements, including scoring 1,281 goals in his professional career.

Pele, has also been named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and FIFA respectively.

His scheduled visit will be his second to the country, the first in 1967 was occasioned by a two-day cease fire during the Nigerian civil war.

His visit allowed the warring sides to watch Pele and Santos play an exhibition match in Lagos.

Pele would be in the country from August 11 to August 12 for the programme, tagged “WJS/YEDA Legend Edition’’.

The organisers said that programmes line-up for the events were street football tournament that would feature 44 youths selected from the street and sports clinics.

Also, there will be a gala night with Pele and other Africa football legends where Pele memorabili would also be auctioned, the organisers said.

The facilitators stated that proceeds from the auction would be donated to an eligible local youth football academy.

The event will involve football-loving teenagers and parents, state governments, corporate sector and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The organisers also assured that adequate security and logistics have been putin place to ensure a hitch-free programme.

Pele has also been scheduled to visit Ghana on Sunday, August 14.