Goal.com reports that Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele, is expected in Nigeria for a historic visit in August as part of events planned by the Winihin Jemide Series and Youth Experience Days Africa. The three-time World Cup winner will headline a youth football tournament that will take place at the Astro-Turf in Ikoyi as well as a leadership meeting with Corporate Nigeria.
The WJS/YEDA Legend Edition 2016 is a 2-day event (11th -12th August, 2016) focused on youth development and empowerment through a once-in-a-lifetime inspiring experience with Pele. The event will include a sports clinic (legend tournament), a gala night with the legend, other African football legends and an auction of Pele memorabilia at the gala night with proceeds from the auction expected to be donated to an eligible local youth football academy.
This will be the former striker’s second visit to Nigeria; the first in 1967, was occasioned by a 2-day cease fire during the Nigerian Civil War which saw Pele & Santos FC team play an exhibition match in Lagos. The Brazilian won the first of his three World Cups as a 17-year-old at Sweden ’58 before adding two more titles at Chile ’62 and Mexico ’70.