Abuja to Host African Football Icons as ACFTA FEST 2026 Kicks Off With Star-Studded Legends Match

Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, is set to become the focal point of African sports, culture, and economic collaboration as it prepares to host the maiden edition of the African Continental Free Trade Area Festival (ACFTA FEST) 2026. The landmark event will open with a glamorous football gala match featuring Super Eagles Legends taking on African Legends, a clash expected to attract fans, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and creatives from across the continent.

The highly anticipated “Legends Game” will be staged at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, between February 26 and 28, 2026, and has been billed as one of the major highlights of the multi-sectoral festival. Organisers say the match is designed not only to celebrate Africa’s football heritage but also to leverage the influence of sports icons to promote unity, youth empowerment, and continental integration.

Football fans can expect a nostalgic and thrilling spectacle, as some of Nigeria’s most celebrated football heroes are set to grace the pitch. Among the Super Eagles Legends confirmed for the encounter are Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo, Daniel Amokachi, and Mutiu Adepoju, alongside other iconic African football greats whose names will be unveiled ahead of the event. Their participation is expected to draw massive local and international attention to the festival.

ACFTA FEST 2026 is conceived as a Pan-African platform aligned with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). According to organisers, the festival aims to empower over 1.5 million African youths in entrepreneurship, arts, and sports, facilitate up to $5 billion worth of trade deals and partnerships, and deepen grassroots awareness of AfCFTA opportunities across the continent. The initiative seeks to move AfCFTA from policy discussions into practical, people-centered action.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, former Super Eagles captain and African football icon, Nwankwo Kanu, assured fans and stakeholders of the full commitment of the legends to the event. He described ACFTA FEST as a movement that goes far beyond football, stressing its focus on African identity, culture, and youth development.

“This is happening in Nigeria, and the legends will be there,” Kanu said. “We will do what we know how to do best. But more importantly, we understand why we are involved—to promote African culture and help young Africans connect more deeply with their continent.”

Former Cameroonian international, Eyong Enoh, also described ACFTA FEST 2026 as a visionary initiative that brings together trade, innovation, culture, and sports under one umbrella. He noted that Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation places it at the centre of the continent’s economic transformation.

“ACFTA is the perfect platform for everyone, irrespective of political or business background,” Enoh said. “We are not only celebrating football legends; we are using their experience, influence, and stories to mentor the next generation and promote sports diplomacy as a tool for unity and development.”

The business community has also thrown its weight behind the festival. Vice President (Legal) of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Aisha Abdulahi, said ACFTA FEST aligns closely with ACCI’s mandate to promote enterprise development, trade, and investment, particularly for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

“This festival reflects the true spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area by uniting entrepreneurs, creatives, institutions, and policymakers,” she said. “It shifts conversations from theory to action and positions Nigeria, especially Abuja, as a hub for Pan-African trade, innovation, and creative exchange.”

Project Lead of ACFTA FEST, Dr. Diom Ambe, emphasised that the festival is a celebration of African excellence and shared vision. According to him, hosting African football legends in Nigeria symbolises continental solidarity and collective aspiration.

“When we talk about legends, we mean African legends,” Ambe said. “This festival is about celebrating our past, empowering our present, and creating opportunities for future generations.”

As Abuja prepares to host thousands of visitors on February 28, 2026, expectations are high that ACFTA FEST 2026 will blend sports, culture, and commerce into a unique Pan-African experience. Organisers believe the festival will not only entertain but also inspire collaboration, strengthen African identity, and accelerate grassroots participation in Africa’s economic future.