The proposed visit of Football legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele to Nigeria may be put on hold unless the 75 year old recovers quickly from illness.
The former Brazil star was forced to withdraw last minute from lighting the cauldron to mark the start of the Rio games at the iconic Maracana Friday.
The three-time World Cup winner, is the most famous athlete in Brazilian history and was due to perform the coveted task of capping off the showpiece, however the former Santos star in a statement regretted that he is not able to take up the task because he is not 50-50 but prayed for a successful Olympics.
Pele said in a statement: "Dearest friends,
"Only God is more important than my health.
"In my life I have had fractures, operations, pains, hospital stays, victories and defeats, and I always respect those who admire me.
"The responsibility for the decisions is mine … I have always tried not to disappoint my family and the Brazilian people.
"In this moment I am not in the physical condition to participate in the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
"And as a Brazilian, I ask God to bless all who participate in this event and that it will be a great success and end in peace," he said
The proposed visit billed for August 11-12 will focus on youth empowerment and development
It would be the second time Pele would be visiting Nigeria should he eventually recover fast enough to make the trip. The first was in 1967 when Nigeria was neck deep in a civil war that lasted three years.
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