Nigerian Federation pay tribute to football great Pele after death at the age of 82

The Nigeria Football Federation have paid tribute to Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele in the footballing world, following his death at the age of 82 on Thursday, December 29.

The family of the three-time World Cup winner and his representatives announced via the social media accounts of the global star of his demise. 

Pele had suffered numerous health issues and on this occasion spent Christmas in a Brazilian hospital in the company of his family. 

"We express our sorrow following the sad passing of football icon and Brazilian great Edson Arantes Do Nascimento ‘Pele.’ 

"We mourn his demise with the rest of the football family worldwide and the Brazilian football family in particular. May his soul rest in peace," the NFF posted on Twitter on Thursday evening.

Pele, regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, had an impact in the Nigerian socio-economic and political history when he influenced a ceasefire during the Nigeria/Biafra Civil War.

Nigeria's Federal Government and the breakaway state Biafra ultimately dropped their weapons in order to watch a game that Pele played in.

Izuchukwu Michael

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