Pele: The World Will Never Forget Him — President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has paid a glowing tribute to late football legend Pele following his demise after battling colon cancer.

Pele's passing was announced on Thursday and the condolence messages have kept pouring in for one the greatest to ever play the world's most popular sport.

In a statement, President Buhari stated that the Brazilian led a good life and contributed immensely to the development of global football.

Pele as a young man

While adding that the late icon built bridges across nations, races and even religions, the president said he will never be forgotten by the people of the world.

“May he rest in peace. He led a good life and made a huge contribution to the development of global football in particular and world sport in general.

“He had an enormous generosity of spirit and humility despite his greatness as a footballer and sportsman.

"He also built bridges across nations, races and even religions. He was a UN Ambassador of goodwill.

"Pele is gone but the world will never forget him. RIP”, part of the statement reads.