President Muhammadu Buhari has joined other international leaders in expressing sorrow over the passing of Pele, a legendary player in Brazilian soccer, who passed away on Thursday.
The greatest football player in history passed away following a terrible cancer diagnosis. In a long career that saw him win three World Cups and score more than 1,281 goals, he established himself as the first football icon and was honored as “Player of the Century” in 2000.
President Buhari wished the football star “may he rest in peace” on behalf of all Nigerians. He lived a good life and significantly influenced the growth of both international sport and worldwide football in particular.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS SOCCER LEGEND, PELE, SAYS HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
President Muhammadu Buhari joins world leaders in expressing grief over the death of Brazilian soccer legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele who died on Thursday.
The world’s greatest-ever football player succumbed to death after suffering a debilitating bout of cancer. He won three World Cups and scored over 1,281 goals, becoming the original football icon in a long career for which he was named the “Player of the Century” in the year 2000.
In a tribute to the football legend on behalf of all Nigerians, President Buhari said, “May he rest in peace. He led a good life and made a huge contribution to the development of global football in particular and world sport in general.
“He had an enormous generosity of spirit and humility despite his greatness as a footballer and sportsman. He also built bridges across nations, races, and even religions. He was a UN Ambassador of goodwill. Pele is gone but the world will never forget him. RIP.”