Former Manchester United and Juventus star, Paul Pogba, has withdrawn from the upcoming Charity Champions Cup, set for June 15.
The inaugural Charity Champions Cup, organized by the Attom Foundation, will feature African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, alongside football icons Didier Drogba and Kanu Nwankwo.
This exhibition match will take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, bringing together football legends from around the globe and prominent Nigerian celebrities.
The event aims to raise funds and awareness for vision issues affecting at least 10,000 Nigerians, particularly the elderly suffering from refractive errors, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
Announcing his absence on Instagram, Pogba stated, “I won’t be with you on the 15th of June for the Champions Charity Cup from the Attom Foundation. I won’t be with you in person but I am with you in spirit. It’s going to be a beautiful charity game with a lot of legends. I was very proud to be invited. The Attom Foundation did a great job. They are pushing forward to help to make the difference in the world. I wish you all the best,” Pogba said on his Instagram page.
Attom Yahaya, the founder of the Attom Foundation, stressed the importance of the cause, stating, “This is a thrilling project for us. We’re grateful for the support we’ve received so far. There’s still work to be done, but we’re confident we’ll achieve our goal.”
Stanley Chibuna, also known as Funny Bone, highlighted the unifying power of football in Nigeria, referencing the recent Africa Cup of Nations as an example of national unity.
Celebrities like Kafayat Shafau better known as Kaffy, Emmanuel Ogonna Iwueke known as Doctor Craze and Ekemini Ekerette have joined the call for corporate support for the event’s noble goal.
In addition to Osimhen, Drogba, and Kanu, other legends participating include Austin Okocha, Vincent Enyeama, El-Hadji Diouf, Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue, and Mario Balotelli.
Current Super Eagles stars Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Kenneth Omeruo, along with Super Falcons players Asisat Oshoala and Michelle Alozie, will also take part.
Nigerian celebrities such as Tiwa Savage, Ayo Makun, Akpororo, and Nedu Ani will further enhance the event.
The Charity Champions Cup has received endorsements from the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
