On October 25th in Abuja, a star-studded showdown will unfold as African Legends, captained by former Super Eagles skipper Jay-Jay Okocha, face off against the iconic Barca Legends. This thrilling match promises to captivate football enthusiasts at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, kicking off at 3 pm, under the banner of the Champions Cup hosted by the Attom Foundation.
Jay-Jay Okocha, celebrated as one of Africa’s most technically gifted footballers, dazzled fans across top leagues in Germany, France, England, and Turkey. Renowned for his mesmerizing ball control and creativity, Okocha earned back-to-back BBC African Footballer of the Year awards in 2003 and 2004. His legacy includes pivotal contributions to Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory and the historic gold medal win at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Joining him is Nwankwo Kanu, a towering figure in African football history. Kanu’s impressive career highlights feature a UEFA Champions League triumph with Ajax in 1995, two Premier League titles with Arsenal, and three FA Cup victories. Twice honored as African Footballer of the Year (1996, 1999), Kanu was a key leader of Nigeria’s celebrated Golden Generation, guiding the Dream Team to Olympic success in 1996.
Adding further strength to the African squad are Emmanuel Adebayor, the 2008 African Footballer of the Year, and Alex Song, a former Barcelona star and two-time Cameroonian Footballer of the Year. This lineup boasts a wealth of experience drawn from Europe’s elite competitions, including the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, and Ligue 1, promising a dynamic and skillful performance.
The African Legends will challenge a formidable Barca Legends team featuring football greats such as Ronaldinho, Ludovic Giuly, Javier Saviola, Jesús Angoy, Samuel Okunowo, Marc Valiente, Fernando Navarro, and Roberto Trashorras. This encounter is set to be a spectacular display of football heritage and talent from two continents.
Beyond the excitement on the pitch, the event champions a noble cause: promoting the empowerment of the girl child. The Attom Foundation has partnered with ZMB Homes and WGI to drive this important social initiative forward.
Attendees will have the unique chance to engage with their football heroes during an exclusive fan meet-and-greet session. Additionally, a sophisticated gala evening will be held, offering guests an opportunity to dine, network, and contribute generously, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting programs that uplift and empower young girls.
