ADDIS ABABA — Nigerian football legends, including Nwankwo Kanu, recently lauded Ethiopia’s rapid development and exceptional hospitality during their visit to the country for the Shenen Africa Festival.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, their experience in Ethiopia has been overwhelmingly positive, noting the country’s significant growth and warm welcome. Nwankwo Kanu, a former professional footballer, and other African legends arrived in Addis Ababa to partake in the cultural festival and were also involved in several development-focused tours. These included a visit to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and various tourism projects aligned with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s vision for Ethiopia.

During their stay, the legends engaged in a friendly match with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and participated in the Green Legacy initiative at Friendship Park. Kanu expressed profound appreciation for the local culture, the hospitality of the Ethiopians, and the quality of Ethiopian cuisine. He confirmed his plans to return, captivated by the leadership and development initiatives he witnessed.

Taribo West, another prominent Nigerian former footballer, emphasized the significance of their visit for fostering football culture in Ethiopia. He highlighted the announcement by the Prime Minister regarding Ethiopia’s application to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), expressing hope for its success. West praised the potential benefits of hosting AFCON for Ethiopia’s football scene and its alignment with broader continental aspirations.

Daniel Amokachi, also among the visiting legends, reflected on the warm reception and the meaningful interactions they had, including a friendly game and a tree planting event with the Prime Minister. These activities, according to Amokachi, created unforgettable memories and demonstrated the Ethiopian government’s commitment to promoting sports and environmental initiatives.