OLADUNNI OYEKALE PAYS TRIBUTE TO BRAZIL ICON PELÉ

By Oluseyi Adedire

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Nigeria Flying Eagles U-20 Assistant Coach, Oladunni Oyekale has joined the cast of those involved in football to pay tribute to Pele - who has died at the age of 82. 

Pelé, who is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, won an unprecedented three World Cups with Brazil and was crowned FIFA's Player of the Century in 2000. - passed away after a battle with cancer.

Tributes have since poured in for the former Santos star, and Oladunni Oyekale is one of the latest names to pay tribute to Pelé and believes that the Brazilian's footballing legacy "will be eternal".

Speaking to OyoSportsNews on Saturday, via telephone call, 'Cerezo' as fondly called by his peers said: "Like every other person in football and even beyond football, we all know that he was the greatest in football, very humble, accommodating person. I met him in 1987 FIFA U17 World Cup in Canada and despite he couldn't speak our language, he was jovial and free with us. I remember he was part of FIFA delegates."

I have been hearing Pelé before our trip to Canada and it was a landmark to meet an icon like him personally. It wasn't a joke or easy to meet a man that is well known throughout the world, a man that everybody wants to see. So, it was great to see him."

"Against Italy at the Quarter-final in Toronto, a man just came to say Pelé is here for pre-match formalities, we were all surprised to see him, we had hand-shake and took group pictures. I remembered I told Olusegun Fetuga to play football like Pelé, 'he's watching you' - because he wore jersey No 10 in that very match. It was a huge experience for us and the Italians.

"I also met him again two years later in Saudi Arabia 89', he recognized me very well. He said: 'Big No 7 because the commentator called me Big No 7 in Canada. He said: You came to U-20? Good for you and good for Nigeria. It was a great experience because three of us graduated to U-20."

The former Crown FC Head Coach also described Pelé as the most complete football player, entertainer through his pure skill, talent and ability.

"Many people have said Pelé has done this and that, Maradona has done this and that but I believe football is football. The only difference is Time and Talent, If Messi was born during Pelé's time, he may not survive because today's players have enjoyed so many things like good pitches, atmosphere, lucrative deal.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento 'Pelé' was borne on the 23rdOctober 1940 and died 29th December, 2022.