Manny Ita –
Nigerian football icons Kanu Nwankwo, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Finidi George have been confirmed to participate in the African Legends United Gala Match as part of the upcoming African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Festival in Abuja. Speaking to journalists on Thursday during the festival’s sideline events, Nwankwo expressed confidence that the match would be a landmark occasion for the continent. He noted that the initiative is designed to celebrate African culture while providing a platform to empower youth at the grassroots level. “It’s happening in Nigeria and the legends are going to be there. They are going to do what we normally know how to do. And then we’ll perform and everybody will enjoy it,” Nwankwo stated, adding that he will be joined on the pitch by other celebrated figures including Daniel Amokachi on March 28.
The former Super Eagles captain emphasized that the gathering of continental stars aims to inspire the next generation to take pride in their heritage. According to Nwankwo, “We are doing this to ensure that the young ones growing up can understand and make them think about their continent, which is Africa. And also the grassroots. It’s legends because we are giving back as well. And that’s why we all agreed to be involved in this kind of event.” Former Cameroonian international Eyond Enoh also spoke on the significance of the event, detailing that the broader AfCFTA Fest is scheduled to run from March 26 to March 28, culminating in the legends’ match at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. Enoh highlighted unity as a primary objective of the festival, arguing that such initiatives are necessary to bridge colonial divides and foster a collective identity.
“The only difference between Cameroon and Nigeria is a line that was drawn colonially. I don’t see myself just as a Cameroonian. I see myself as an African,” Enoh remarked. He further described the festival as a vehicle for continental integration, stating, “The African Continental Free Trade Area and the festival of it, which we are initiating, is to change from the lines that divide to the lines that unite. And this is that line through this fest. So, I think it’s the most viable initiative to unite Africa. And of course, our motto is one Africa, one market, one future.” The event, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, will also feature diverse segments including “Startup Fames” and “Heritage Waves,” all leading up to the gala match at the Abuja stadium.
