Arsenal legend, Robert Pires, storms Lagos for Airtel Under-17 African Championship

While in the country, the ex-Arsenal mid-fielder is expected to
enliven the atmosphere at the finals of the Airtel Under-17
Championship and stand as an inspiration to the youngsters vying for
laurels in the final games.
Arsenal legend and former France international, Robert Emmanuel Pires,
will lead a team of Arsenal technical and business staff to the
African Championship of the Airtel Rising Stars which kicks off on
Monday, September 16, in Lagos.
The World Cup winner with France is expected to jet into the country
on Saturday, September 21 to participate in the activities marking the
finals of the championship.
Mr. Pires' visit comes under the partnership between Arsenal Football
Clubof England and the Airtel Africa Group.
The Legend was a key member of "The Invincibles"; the all-conquering
Arsenal team that went 49 games without a loss in the 2003/2004.
Legendary Nigerian international, Kanu Nwankwo was also a member of
"The Invincibles."
He had an illustrious Arsenal career and was voted the 6th greatest
player in the history of Arsenal FC during which he won three FA cups
and two Premier League titles. He also won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and
UEFA Euro 2000 with the French national team with which he was capped
79 times.
While in the country, the ex-Arsenal mid-fielder is expected to
enliven the atmosphere at the finals of the Airtel Under-17
Championship and stand as an inspiration to the youngsters vying for
laurels in the final games.
He is also billed to visit Oremeji Primary School 2, one of Airtel's
adopted schools in Lagos as part of its CSR initiative, Adopt-A-School
programme which primarily aims to provide access to quality
foundational education in remote locations of the country where
standard educational facilities and quality faculties are not easily
available.
The coming competition which is the season 2 of the ARS African
Championship initiative involving over 18,000 boys and girls
representing 16 African countries including hosts Nigeria. It will run
for a period of seven days beginning with an opening ceremony
onMonday, September 16 at the Ikeja Township Stadium, Agege, Lagos.
Each participating country's team emerged after a rigorous
championship that took them through the regions to national contests
coordinated by seasoned soccer coaches and the football federation of
the various countries.
Airtel Rising Stars Africa Football Championship is Africa's biggest
Under-17 grassroots tournament and the only one with strong
consideration for gender equality with the inclusion of the Female
Category.
The eventual winners in both the male and female categories will
receive the grand prize of USD 10,000 each.