Burkina Faso’s chief Ibrahim Traore welcomed a few of Africa’s greatest soccer names to formally reopen the nation’s fundamental stadium after main renovations.
Former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o and ex-Cameroon defender Rigobert Track have been among the many retired stars who travelled to Ouagadougou on August 4 for the grand reopening ceremony.
The stadium had been shut down for years after African football’s governing body CAF ruled it wasn’t as much as scratch for worldwide matches. However underneath Traore’s authorities, the bottom has been utterly refurbished and may now host top-level competitions once more.
Hundreds of locals braved heavy rain to look at a special match between the nation’s army staff and the visiting African legends, which completed 1-1.
Eto’o, who now heads Cameroon’s soccer federation, spoke for the group of former gamers throughout a gathering with President Traore earlier that day. He acknowledged:
To begin with, we need to say thanks for welcoming us to our house, your property.
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Eto’o praises Ibrahim Traore’s management
The previous striker was filled with reward for his host, describing their assembly as “an immense pleasure” and including:
We had the immense happiness of being obtained by His Excellency Mr. President of Faso, who’s a delight for the Africa we love.
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Eto’o inspired different African stars to go to Burkina Faso, saying:
I hope that for individuals who are in Ouagadougou for the primary time, it will not be the final time. We have to come again as a result of Burkina Faso is a part of Africa, and as you’ll be able to see, all these legends have introduced a variety of smiles to this continent. We really feel at house in all places on our continent.
The day’s occasions included parachute shows, conventional music and dancing, plus a cross-country race that drew massive crowds.
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Traore praised the renovation work and highlighted the stadium’s significance for Burkina Faso’s worldwide status.