Sports
Pele’s Burial Arrangements Rolled Out, Body To Be Taken To His 100-year-old Mother

… Tributes Showered On King Of Football
The burial of the late football legend Pele has been set for Monday and Tuesday.
The wake will be held on Monday and his body will be laid to rest on Tuesday at his Santos home, where he enchanted the world, according to his former club.
“The wake for the greatest footballer of all time will be held in Urbano Caldeira Stadium, better known as the Vila Belmiro, where he enchanted the world,” Santos football club said in a Thursday statement, adding that Pele would then get a funeral procession through the city’s streets before a private burial ceremony.
READ ALSO: Pele The King, The GOAT: Historic Milestone & Legacy Of A Football Legend
The body of Pele, who died at the age of 82 on Thursday, will be taken from the Albert Einstein Hospital to Estádio Urbano Caldeira in Vila Belmiro Monday morning, and the coffin will be placed in the centre of the pitch. The wake is expected to begin at 10am.
Those who want to pay their last respect to the King of Football will enter through two gates and separate to politicians and the authorities.
The ceremony, according to a Daily Mail UK report, will continue until 10am on Tuesday, January 3, when the parade will take place through the streets of Santos.
It will pass through Canal 6, where Pele’s 100-year-old mother, Celeste, lives, before heading to the Ecumenical Necropolis Memorial for the private burial reserved for family members.
The press will have access through gate 20 and prior registration will be required, by email, with the rules informed on the club’s official website, according to Daily Mail UK.
Pele, who had been in hospital since late November, died at the age of 82 following a long battle with colon cancer.
The legend’s daughter, Kely Nascimento, confirming Pele’s passing wrote in a social media post, “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
There was a message to the three million followers on Pele’s official Twitter account, too: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever.”
READ ALSO: He Gave Voice To Blacks, Turn Football Into Art – Neymar Reacts To Pele’s Death
Tributes have continued to flow in for the only man to win the World Cup three times, first as a 17-year-old in 1958, again in Chile four years later and then the iconic third win in Mexico in 1970.
Pele scored 1,282 goals in 1,366 games in his football career, which included 77 in 92 appearances for his country.
Sports
EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title
Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.
City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.
The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.
READ ALSO:EPL: Chelsea Winger, Mudryk Banned For Four Years After Failing Drug Test
Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.
He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.
“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”
Sports
UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies
Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.
Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.
Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.
READ ALSO:EPL: Guardiola Reveals Only Chance Man City Will Win Title Ahead Of Arsenal
According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.
“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.
“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.
READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal In Shock Move To Sign Kvaratskhelia From PSG
“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.
“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”
Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.
Sports
Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.
Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.
“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.
READ ALSO:Grassroots To Global Podium: Edo Sports Commission Marks Enabulele’s First Year In Office
He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.
“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.
The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.
Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.
READ ALSO:2025 NYG: Be Determined, Enabulele Charges Team Edo, As Screening Commences In A’Ibom
“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.
Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.
“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.
-
Politics3 days ago
2027: Tinubu’s Re-election May Put An End To Nigeria — Baba Ahmed Warns
-
Metro4 days ago
I’m A Street Girl’ – Bimbo Ademoye Clashes With Area Boys [VIDEO]
-
News5 days ago
VIDEO: Moment S’Court Recognises David Mark-led ADC Leadership
-
Politics4 days ago
BREAKING: 2027: Former Adamawa APC Guber Candidate, Aishatu Binani Defects To NDC
-
Politics4 days ago
Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South
-
Business3 days ago
JUST IN: Nigerian Filling Stations Reduce Fuel Price After Hike
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Actress Eniola Badmus Gets New Federal Appointment
-
Metro5 days ago
Robbers Raid Imo Catholic Church, Steal Holy Communion Materials
-
News4 days ago
10 African Countries With Highest Petrol Prices In Prices In April 2026
-
Metro5 days ago
VIDEO: Policemen Filmed Assaulting Individual In Viral Clip