As part of activities marking the African Continental Free Trade Area Festival (ACFTA FEST) 2026, Super Eagles Legends will take on African Legends in a high-profile gala match at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The exhibition game, scheduled to hold between February 26 and 28, 2026, will feature some of Nigeria’s most celebrated football icons, including Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo, Daniel Amokachi, and Mutiu Adepoju.
Tagged “Battle of the Legends,” the encounter is expected to be one of the major highlights of the festival, drawing football fans and stakeholders from across the continent.
Festival Targets Youth Empowerment, Trade and Cultural Exchange
ACFTA FEST 2026 is designed to empower over 1.5 million African youths in entrepreneurship, arts and sports, facilitate up to $5 billion in trade deals and partnerships, and deepen grassroots awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, assured fans that football legends would fully support the initiative.
“It is happening in Nigeria, and the legends will be there. We will do what we know how to do best,” Kanu said. “The most important thing is understanding why we are involved — to promote African culture and empower the grassroots.
“When we talk about legends, these are African legends. This is about helping young Africans understand and connect more deeply with their continent.”
Platform for Pan-African Growth
Former Cameroonian international, Eyong Enoh, described ACFTA FEST 2026 as a visionary Pan-African platform aimed at promoting trade, innovation, culture, and collaboration across Africa.
“ACFTA is the perfect platform for everyone, regardless of background. It is about creating real impact,” Enoh said. “We are using sports diplomacy and the experience of legends to mentor the next generation and promote unity across borders.”
Also speaking, Vice President (Legal), Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Aisha Abdulahi, said the festival aligns strongly with ACCI’s mandate to promote enterprise development, trade, and investment, particularly for MSMEs.
“This festival brings entrepreneurs, creatives, and institutions together on one platform to drive intra-African trade and collaboration. It moves the conversation from policy to action and positions Nigeria as a hub for Pan-African commerce and creative exchange,” she said.
Abuja Set for Continental Spotlight
Project Lead, Dr. Diom Ambe, noted that ACFTA FEST goes beyond football, stressing that it is fundamentally about celebrating African identity and creating opportunities for the next generation.
“This is about African legends coming together to support a bigger vision — one that promotes unity, culture, and development,” he said.
Abuja is expected to come alive on February 28, 2026, as football fans and stakeholders from across the continent converge for the maiden edition of ACFTA FEST.
