The day Pele ‘stopped’ a war in Nigeria
In January 1969 during the Nigeria Civil war Brazilian club Santos visited the country to play friendlies with the Nigerian football team, then known as the Green Eagles.
The warring sides decided to suspend hostilities for 48 hours so that they could watch the friendly matches, the first played in Lagos and the second in Benin.
According to Santos’ official website, the then state Military Governor Samuel Ogbemudia declared a public holiday and opened up the bridge that connected Benin with Biafra and about 25,000 fans went there to witness Pele playing football.
Rest in peace
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, AKA
Pele#footyfacts #Pele
