Abuja is set to take centre stage in African sports and culture as the African Continental Free Trade Area Festival (ACFTA FEST) 2026 prepares to kick off with a star-studded gala match featuring Super Eagles Legends against African Legends.
The much-anticipated “Legends Game” will take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium from February 26 to 28 and is expected to be one of the major highlights of the festival. The match will feature some of Nigeria’s most iconic football figures, including Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo, Daniel Amokachi, and Mutiu Adepoju, alongside celebrated players from across Africa.
ACFTA FEST 2026 is a Pan-African initiative designed to empower more than 1.5 million African youths in entrepreneurship, arts, and sports. The festival also aims to facilitate up to $5 billion in trade deals and partnerships while raising grassroots awareness about the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu assured football fans of the full participation of the legends. He emphasised that the event is about more than football, highlighting its role in promoting African culture and supporting youth empowerment.
“This is happening in Nigeria, and the legends will be there. We will do what we know how to do best,” Kanu said. “The key thing is understanding why we are involved—to promote African culture and help young Africans connect with their continent.”
Former Cameroonian international Eyong Enoh described ACFTA FEST 2026 as a visionary Pan-African platform aimed at advancing trade, innovation, culture, and collaboration across the continent. He noted that Nigeria is well positioned to play a leading role in driving Africa’s economic transition.
“ACFTA is the perfect platform for everyone, irrespective of political or business background,” Enoh said. “We are not only celebrating legends; we are leveraging their experience to mentor the next generation and promote sports diplomacy.”
The festival is expected to attract thousands of attendees from across Africa, including entrepreneurs, creatives, policymakers, and sports enthusiasts. Organisers say the event goes beyond entertainment, promoting African identity, unity, and grassroots development.
Aisha Abdulahi, Vice President (Legal) of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), said the festival aligns with the chamber’s mandate to support enterprise development, trade, and investment, particularly for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
“This festival reflects the true spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area by uniting entrepreneurs, creatives, and institutions to drive intra-African trade,” Abdulahi said. “It moves discussions from policy to action and positions Nigeria as a hub for Pan-African trade and creative exchange.”
Project Lead, Dr. Diom Ambe, explained that ACFTA FEST goes beyond football, describing it as a celebration of African culture and a platform for creating opportunities for future generations.
“When we talk about legends, we mean African legends,” Ambe said. “Hosting this in Nigeria will bring them all out in support of a shared African vision.”
The festival will not only showcase football but also include exhibitions, business forums, cultural events, and networking opportunities aimed at connecting young Africans with mentors and potential investors. Organisers hope these initiatives will help drive innovation, skills development, and intra-African trade partnerships.
ACFTA FEST 2026 comes at a critical time as Africa seeks to strengthen economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA, launched in 2021, aims to create a single continental market, boost intra-African trade, and foster sustainable economic growth. The festival’s focus on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship complements these objectives by encouraging young people to engage in trade, creative industries, and sports-based businesses.
Football has been chosen as a central attraction for the festival because of its mass appeal across Africa. By featuring legends from Nigeria and other African countries, organisers hope to inspire young people while celebrating Africa’s rich sports heritage.
Austin Okocha, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest midfielders, expressed his excitement about participating in the event. “It’s always great to play football for a cause that goes beyond the game itself,” he said. “We are here to inspire young Africans and show them what is possible when talent meets opportunity.”
Joseph Yobo, former Super Eagles captain and defender, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the festival is a platform for mentorship. “Young people will get a chance to meet African legends and learn from our experiences. This is about building bridges between generations and helping youth understand the value of hard work, discipline, and vision.”
The “Legends Game” promises to be a thrilling encounter for football fans, combining skill, nostalgia, and entertainment. Organisers have assured that safety and logistical arrangements will be in place to host visitors from different parts of the continent.
ACFTA FEST 2026 is expected to leave a lasting legacy by connecting African youth with opportunities in sports, culture, and entrepreneurship. The festival also provides a unique chance to promote the African Continental Free Trade Area, encouraging grassroots understanding and engagement with the continent’s trade policies.
In addition to football and trade initiatives, the festival will feature cultural performances, art exhibitions, and forums focused on innovation and creative industries. These activities aim to highlight the diversity and vibrancy of African culture while providing practical tools for youth empowerment.
Organisers have said that the maiden edition of ACFTA FEST will set the tone for future festivals, establishing Abuja as a key hub for Pan-African trade, culture, and sports diplomacy. By combining entertainment, mentorship, and economic opportunities, ACFTA FEST 2026 aims to showcase Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s development agenda.
Fans and attendees are encouraged to participate in the festival’s various programs, from attending football matches to engaging in business forums and cultural activities. Through these efforts, ACFTA FEST hopes to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose across Africa while creating real opportunities for the continent’s young population.
As Abuja prepares to host the festival from February 26 to 28, excitement is building across the continent. African football legends, entrepreneurs, creatives, and policymakers are expected to converge in the Nigerian capital to celebrate the spirit of the continent, promote trade, and inspire future generations.
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