Lagos takes centre stage today as some of Africa’s greatest football icons converge at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, for the much-anticipated Legends of Africa Football Game, a star-studded game to celebrate the continent’s rich football heritage.
Headlined by Super Eagles legend, J.J Okocha and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, the encounter will bring together Nigerian football legends against celebrated African stars in an evening of nostalgia, entertainment and celebration.
The Nigerian contingent features members of the iconic Super Eagles generations of 1994 and 1996, including Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George, Mutiu Adepoju, Taribo West, Emmanuel Amuneke, Austin Eguavoen, Garba Lawal, Mobi Oparaku, Emmanuel Babayaro and other former internationals.
They will face a formidable African selection featuring Drogba, former Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor, Senegalese great El-Hadji Diouf, Ghana’s Stephen Appiah, Cameroon’s Rigobert Song and other continental football icons.
Beyond the main fixture, fans will be treated to a Celebrity Match featuring popular Nigerian entertainers and personalities Yhemolee, Sheggz, Jeriq, Teddy A and Charles Okocha. The celebrity encounter is scheduled to kick off at 1:30pm, with the gates opening at the same time.
Music will also take centre stage, with fast-rising Nigerian singer Rybeena and highlife sensation Terry Apala lined up for special half-time performances, adding an exciting entertainment dimension to the football spectacle.
Organized by Toptier Sports Management in collaboration with Afreximbank and CANEX as part of CANEX WKND 2026, the event celebrates the 30th anniversary of Nigeria’s historic Atlanta 1996 Olympic football gold, while also recognising the achievements of the 1994 Super Eagles team that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and represented the country at its maiden FIFA World Cup.
The 1996 Olympic team etched its name in global football history after defeating Brazil in a dramatic semi-final before overcoming Argentina 3-2 in the final to become the first African nation to win Olympic football gold.
The programme also includes a football development initiative involving 500 young players, alongside entertainment and special recognition for the former internationals whose contributions helped shape Nigerian and African football.
With football royalty, music and celebrity entertainment combining for one major occasion, the Legends of Africa Football Game promises a memorable matchday celebration for fans across Lagos and beyond.
The main legends’ encounter kicks off at 5pm at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
