Emirates Arena: Italian envoy commends Afro-Arab boss for Nima pitch

The Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Giovanni Favilli, has commended the Chairman of the Afro-Arab Group of Companies, Alhaji Abdul Salamu Amadu, for constructing an artificial football pitch at Nima in the Ayawaso North Constituency in the Greater Accra Region.

Mr Favilli stated that the facility will bring happiness to the residents of Nima and serve as a fertile ground for nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian football stars.

"Football brings happiness wherever it is played, so kudos to the Afro-Arab CEO for constructing this facility in the community," Mr Favilli said at the inauguration of the facility last Saturday.

"It will become a great place for nurturing talents, some of whom will become future champions."

The facility christened the Emirates Arena, has a five-a-side pitch with a sitting capacity of 600. It was inaugurated with a football match involving a Bright Addae select side and Kanu select side, led by former Nigeria international, Nwankwo Kanu.

The Kanu team featured former Ghana national stars such as Derek Boateng, Ibrahim Tanko, Abukari Damba and Dan Quaye, while the opposing team featured local stars, including Muntari Tagoe, Awal Mohammed and Samudeen Ibrahim. The match ended 11-11 in normal time, with the Bright Addae select side winning 5-3 on penalties.

Expressing gratitude to God, as well as his friends and family who assisted in constructing the Emirates Arena, Alhaji Amadu said the facility would also be used to host social events in the community.