Football legend Samuel Eto’o has, in a heartfelt message posted on his Facebook page, extended his profound gratitude to the Nigerian Football Federation, its President, Djibrilla Hema Hamidou, and the people of Niger. Eto’o’s visit to Niger on August 10th was marked by a warm reception and a deep appreciation for the country’s advancements in sports infrastructure and organization.
“My endless gratitude to the federation of Nigerian football, to President Djibrilla Hema Hamidou, and to the entire Nigerian people,” Eto’o wrote. He praised the Nigerian Football Federation for its high-standard equipment and the significant infrastructural improvements he observed. “I was particularly marked by the infrastructural leap, and the level of organization of our Nigerian consort,” he noted.
Eto’o congratulated President Djibrilla Hema Hamidou and his administration for their efforts, expressing hope that these advancements would lead to sporting successes that enhance the prestige of the Nigerian flag. “I wish that these efforts will be crowned with sporting successes that may enhance the prestige of the Nigerian flag,” he added.
The football icon also acknowledged the developmental strides in sports, particularly football, under the joint leadership of the Nigerian authorities and the football federation. “Efforts the Nigerian people can legitimately be proud of,” he emphasised.
Eto’o’s visit included an audience with His Excellency, Brigadier General Abdourahame Tchiani, President of the National Council in Niamey. Eto’o expressed his deep gratitude for this honor, stating, “I also express my deep gratitude to His Excellency, Brigadier General Abdourahame Tchiani, President of the National Council in Niamey, for honoring me with an audience during my stay.”
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between national football federations to elevate African football on the global stage. “This visit reinforced my conviction of a necessary and indispensable collaboration, or even companionship between our national football federations, to make African football better represented, more attractive, and above all more influential,” Eto’o concluded.
Eto’o’s message is particularly significant given the challenges currently faced by Cameroon’s football infrastructure and the absence of collaboration between FECAFOOT and the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education. This message,, therefore, highlights his belief in the indispensable partnership between football federations to make African football more influential and attractive, but at the same time, it highlights his love for partnerships in developing the beautiful game. His visit to Niger has reinforced his conviction in the power of unity and cooperation in achieving these goals.
