Nigeria came from behind to snatch a last gasp 2-1 win over Ethiopia in the first leg of their playoff in Addis Ababa after two goals from Emmanuel Emenike helped them take a big step towards next year’s finals in Brazil.
But Ethiopian fans have now found something to cheer about as their largely-domestic based Walyas – named after an endemic antelope – could be boosted by a small contingent of players plying their trade in Europe.
After Arsenal’s 16-year old prodigy Gedion Zelalem – who is also eligible to play for Germany and the United States – tweeted “Still proud” following Sunday’s loss, Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom took on the task of luring the young Gunner.
“Hi Gedion. Good to hear from you. We hope you will play for Ethiopia soon,” he tweeted back.
Tedros also contacted Norway-based striker Askar Amin, who plays for top flight side Brann, via the micro-blogging platform.
“I just spoke to Amin on the phone and he’s very positive about playing for our country. Thanks so much Amin!,” the official tweeted.
Ethiopian fans have now launched what they dub a “Twitter diplomacy” campaign to snap up Arsenal midfielder Zelalem, under “#ZelalemForEthiopia”.
“Join #ZelalemForEthiopia and share your thoughts if you want to see Gedion Zelalem to join the Walyas,” tweeted @Fahologist, a Kinshasa-based Ethiopian.
Walyas’ coach Sewnet Bishaw said he would not contact Zelalem personally.
“Unless he sends his application to the (Ethiopian Football) Federation, or calls one of the football officials or me, how can I bring him? I don’t even know his address,” he told Reuters.
“If he decides to play for Ethiopia and asks us, then things will be easy.”
Zelalem, currently sidelined through injury, impressed during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia before he was named among the substitutes for the Premier League match against Fulham in August.
Arsenal fans have labelled him the “new Fabregas” after the Spaniard Cesc Fabregas who transferred from the Premier League club to Barcelona. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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This is not boasting,if Ethiopia likes let dem bring Messi n oda stars frm brazil n d likes; we will beat dem in Calabar. There won't b d high altitude to save dem this time!
ReplyDeleteThese ehtiopian guys are simply just funny!!!...Odun Tutu
ReplyDeletePla give them maximum security so that BOKOHARAM will not bomb them bcs they want to bumb our players in Adisabab
ReplyDeletethey are not wise at all. dey dont know dey need messy, cr7, ribery, facao and iniesta to have a slim chance against us.
ReplyDeleteEthopia has lost already.they should be dreaming by now on how to have a formidable team for nxt world cup prep not to be behaving like babasue
ReplyDelete