…says vacuum created will be difficult to fill.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu has joined the world to pay tribute to the late football Icon, Edson Arantes do Nascimento popularly known as Pelé.
In his tribute tagged “THE GOAT IS GONE” Shaibu mourned the three-time World Cup winner, Friday morning after the football legend bade the world his last farewell. The soccer legend passed on Thursday, December 29, 2022, in Morumbi, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The former Bendel Insurance FC captain recounted Pelé’s presence in Benin City 54 years ago which caused a 2-day cease-fire during the Nigerian civil war.
Pelé in a warm hand shake with General Samuel Ogbemudia during his visit to Nigeria
Shaibu noted that the demise of the football Icon will leave a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in the football world for generations to come.
“Your death is indeed a great loss to the football world. You are more than a country or continent citizen, but you are owned by the entire world.”
“Your existence was to fulfil a purpose, especially in the football world. I believe you truly fulfilled that purpose. You are the name everyone loved to hear, the face they loved to see, the history they loved to talk about and the records they loved to beat.”
“Your visit to Nigeria at a trying period in the nation’s history when we fought a bitter civil war was beyond the African Tour, rather, a divine ordination to bring about peace in our country, Nigeria. “
“Your exit, though painful, was to the glory of God.”
“As an ex-footballer, I join the rest of the world to mourn the exit of our king. No doubt, we will miss you greatly, Your Soccer Majesty!”
“As a fellow Catholic, I say: Lord Jesus Christ, by your/own three days in the/tomb, you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you and so made the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies. Grant that our brother, Pele, may sleep in peace until you awaken him to glory, for you are the resurrection and the life – Amen.”
Photos: https://twitter.com/Pele/status/759132547712364544?t=scJgpUoE3p4TFKsO-AuoVQ&s=19