African Football Icons Set for ACFTA FEST 2026 Gala Match in Abuja

A star-studded line-up of Super Eagles legends and other African football icons are preparing to take to the pitch for a high-profile gala match as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area Festival (ACFTA FEST) 2026.

The highly anticipated fixture, dubbed “Tinubu’s Cup,” is scheduled to take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja between 26th and 28th February.

The match is expected to be a major highlight of ACFTA FEST 2026, which aims to empower over 1.5 million African youths in entrepreneurship, arts, and sports, facilitate up to $5 billion in trade deals, and deepen grassroots awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Nigerian footballing greats such as Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo, Daniel Amokachi, and Mutiu Adepoju are confirmed to participate. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu assured fans of the legends’ full involvement.

“It is happening in Nigeria, and the legends are going to be there. We will do what we know how to do best and perform,” Kanu stated. “The most important thing is understanding why we are involved—to promote African culture and empower the grassroots. This is about making young Africans understand and connect with their continent.”

Former Cameroonian international, Eyong Enoh, lauded ACFTA FEST 2026 as a visionary Pan-African platform promoting trade, innovation, culture, and collaboration. He highlighted Nigeria’s crucial role in driving Africa’s transition and leadership in this regard.

“ACFTA is the perfect platform for everyone, regardless of political or business background. It is about making a real difference,” Enoh commented.

“We are not just celebrating legends; we are tapping into their experience and history to mentor the next generation and promote sports diplomacy.”

Aisha Abdulahi, Vice President (Legal) of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), affirmed the festival’s strong alignment with ACCI’s mandate to promote enterprise development, trade, and investment, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

> “This festival reflects the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area by bringing together entrepreneurs, creatives, and institutions on one platform to drive intra-African trade and collaboration,” she explained. “It moves conversations from policy to action and positions Nigeria as a hub for Pan-African trade and creative exchange.”

Abuja is set to buzz on 28th February 2026 as football enthusiasts from across the continent converge for the inaugural ACFTA FEST. Organisers emphasise that beyond entertainment, the event is fundamentally rooted in promoting African identity, fostering unity, and empowering grassroots development. Project Lead, Dr. Diom Ambe, reiterated that the festival extends beyond football, primarily celebrating African culture and creating opportunities for the next generation.