Three of Africa’s football greats—Samuel Eto’o, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Emmanuel Adebayor—touched down in Mogadishu on Tuesday in a historic show of support for Somalia’s campaign to host international football games on its own soil for the first time in over three decades.
The visit, dubbed the “Legendary Peace Tour,” is the strongest sign yet of Somalia’s intent to return to the global football stage. Organized with the support of FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the tour includes top-level officials from both bodies. Their mission: to assess the readiness of Somalia in terms of infrastructure, security, and governance to host FIFA-sanctioned matches.
“This visit is a turning point,” said Somali Football Federation (SFF) President Ali Abdi Mohamed. “Our dream is to host matches at home again. The presence of these legends sends a message to the world—Somalia is ready.”
The visit marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s long journey to break free from decades of football isolation. At the heart of this effort is Mogadishu Stadium—a site once ravaged by conflict and occupied at various times by foreign troops, militants, and peacekeepers. In 2023, the stadium was returned to Somali control and reopened in early 2024, becoming a symbol of national revival.
The delegation is set to inspect the revamped Mogadishu Stadium, Eng. Yarisow Stadium, and the Somali Football Federation headquarters. A high-level meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is also on the agenda at the presidential palace later this week.
FIFA and CAF have laid out a roadmap for Somalia’s return to the international football scene. It includes meeting strict criteria in areas such as security, stadium facilities, and administrative professionalism. This visit is considered a critical step in that process.
Adding to the excitement, an exhibition match took place Tuesday evening at Banaadir Stadium, featuring Somali football legends, government officials, and the visiting African icons. Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali—a former player himself—captained the guest team. The Ministry had urged fans to arrive early, with enhanced security measures in place for the occasion.
The match ended in a spirited 6-4 victory for the African Legends team, delighting the crowd and showcasing the unifying power of the sport.
“The visit of these legends shows how far we’ve come,” said Minister Ali. “We are proving to the world that Somalia is rebuilding, and football is part of that journey.”
The match served as more than just a game—it was a powerful symbol of hope. In a nation where football has long been silenced by conflict, the sight of international icons sharing the field with Somali players sent a strong message of renewal and resilience.
