Nigerian football legends laud Ethiopia’s undergoing dev’t, express delight over its hospitality

Addis Ababa, June 30, 2024 (FBC) – Nigerian football legends who are in Ethiopia, praised the country that has been under a rapid growth and they have felt overwhelmed by the hospitality.

They stated that their stay in Ethiopia was exciting and they realized Ethiopia is passing through a rapid development activity.

Recall that Nigerian former professional footballer, Nwankwo Kanu and Africa’s football legends arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to participate in the Shenen Africa Festival.

During their stay, apart from the festival, they visited various development projects including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Similarly, the football legends had a friendly match early this morning with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and have also left their Green Legacy footprint at Friendship Park.

During the occasion, former Nigerian football star Nwankwo Kanu said that Ethiopia is a country with a very beautiful and amazing culture.

Kanu expressed his joy over the hospitality given to him and other former African players during their stay in Ethiopia, he said, adding that it has made us feel like we were at home. The player pledged to come back to Ethiopia.

He also spoke about his visit to the ongoing development projects and tourism destinations in particular, which are built in the country based on Prime Minister Abiy’s vision for Ethiopia.

“It (Ethiopia) is a beautiful country and the people are great. I feel at home and I love it. Also the food here is good and I have really enjoyed it.

So what I saw in Ethiopia is that the Prime Minister is a man of great vision and he is doing a wonderful job. I am impressed and I can tell you that even if I go there, I would like to come back again,” Kanu revealed.

Another Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defender, Taribo West reminded the tour to various development activities in Ethiopia.

According to West, he realized that the development endeavors being carried out in Ethiopia demonstrate the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s vision for the African continent beyond his country.

He lauded today’s announcement made by the Prime Minister that Ethiopia has submitted its application to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to stimulate football in the country. West also expressed best wish that this would come true.

He added that the recent coming of the African continent’s former great players to Ethiopia will bring about a favorable environment for the improvement of football culture by creating ties with Ethiopians.

“We’ve been here for three days. They’ve taken us around and we see a lot of incredible places and great works of Prime Minister Abiy and also the ambition he has for Ethiopia as well as the continent of Africa,” he said.

The former player is also excited by Ethiopia’s application to host the Africa Cup of Nations.

“This country is also anticipated to host the Africa Cup of Nations here and {we will} be here to enjoy this great time with Ethiopia. The first country to come back home to what I saw is Ethiopia. I’m delighted to be here any day, and any time. The Prime Minister has an idea how to improve Ethiopian football and …………..to transform the football culture in Ethiopia.”

Noting that it is a great link, the Nigerian former professional footballer pledged to work for Ethiopia in its endeavors in the future not only to host AFCON but also to become the continent’s champion.

The other Nigerian footballer, Daniel Amukachi, said that Ethiopians warmly welcomed them with honor and love during their time here.

Besides the friendly game with the Prime Minister, Amukachi also said that his participation in the tree seedling program gave him a special feeling.

“We have been in a lot of love here you know from all Ethiopians. The Prime Minister’s cabinet; the Minister of Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Tourism and others are exceptionally welcoming. You cannot say much about this amazing hospitality. And we just also had a 20 minutes game with Prime Minister Abiy which was great fun.”

He further noted that the friendly game with the Prime Minister and his participation in the tree seedling program were unforgettable memories.