Somalia’s Football Revival Begins: Legends Match in Mogadishu Sparks Hopes of Hosting International Games Again
For decades, Somalia has been associated more with conflict and piracy than with football. But this week, the tide may have begun to turn.
In a historic exhibition match held at the 65,000-capacity Mogadishu National Stadium, three African football legends — Emmanuel Adebayor, Samuel Eto’o, and Jay Jay Okocha — took to the pitch in what many believe is the beginning of Somalia’s football renaissance.
“This football showcase is truly a historic moment. It marks the day Somalia earned a golden place on the world stage,” said local youth coach Cabdulaahi Geesey, who also played in the match. “Sharing the pitch with Okocha, Eto’o, and Adebayor, wearing the same kit and even scoring a goal is a dream come true.”
A Stadium Reclaimed by Sport
The National Stadium, built in 1977 with Chinese support, has endured decades of turmoil, military occupation, and destruction. Closed in 1991 after Somalia plunged into civil war, it was used by peacekeeping forces, militants, and foreign troops over the years. But since a major renovation in 2020, including the installation of artificial turf, the stadium has begun hosting games once more — most notably a 2021 local league match that drew a full house.
This week’s Legends Peace Tour, supported by Fifa, marks the biggest event at the venue since its reopening. The aim: to shift global perceptions of Somalia and showcase its readiness to welcome international football back home.
Football as a Force for Peace and Unity
Thousands of supporters gathered from across Africa.
“Football has the power to unite people,” said Emmanuel Adebayor, who played for Arsenal and Real Madrid. “We just pray for God to give you peace so that you can build your country.”
His message echoed the sentiment of Somali football fans and officials alike. “The image these guests will carry back with them is of a peaceful Somalia, a united people, and a football culture that is rising once again,” Geesey added.
While the security situation remains fragile — with Al-Shabab militants still active and recent bombings in Mogadishu — the event went ahead under heavy police presence. For many, this was proof that Somalia can safely host global sporting events again.
One Match, Big Dreams
Jay-Jay Okocha, Samuel Eto’o and Emmauel Adebayor helped the legend team to win 8-4 at Somalia’s National Stadium.
Somalia’s men’s national team, the Ocean Stars, have not played a competitive match on home soil since 1986. Their World Cup qualifiers and friendlies have been held in countries like Djibouti, Morocco, and Mozambique, due to security concerns and inadequate infrastructure.
Now, hope is rising that this legends match could pave the way for change. According to Souleiman Waberi, President of the Djibouti Football Association and a high-ranking official with CAF and Fifa, the next step could be hosting a friendly match against another national team.
“If the stadium meets all criteria, Somalia can host international games here in Mogadishu,” Waberi said.
A Symbolic Turning Point
Somalia currently ranks 201st in the FIFA world rankings, making it one of the lowest-ranked teams in Africa. Yet for the thousands of fans who filled the stadium this week, the match represented something far greater than football.
Nasteexa Maxamuud, a local fan who witnessed the legends in action, shared her hope: “To Somalia, I say may this peace last. Just as these players came and left in peace and good health, I hope the same will happen for others.”
With global football icons now leaving Mogadishu with stories of unity, passion, and resilience, Somalia may finally be turning the page from war-torn headlines to the world of sport.
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