Football lovers across Nigeria and beyond are brimming with excitement as Africa Legends prepare to face Barcelona Legends in a thrilling exhibition match this weekend at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, with kickoff at 3:00 p.m. local time, the high-profile friendly promises to be a vibrant celebration of football, nostalgia, and continental pride.

A Star-Studded African Line-Up

The Africa Legends will feature a glittering cast of football greats including Nigeria’s Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha, Vincent Enyeama, and Nwankwo Kanu, alongside other iconic Super Eagles stars. Joining them on the pitch are Taiye Taiwo, Elderson Echiejile, Obafemi Martins, Victor Ikpeba, Julius Aghahowa, and Daniel Amokachi, all poised to relive their glory days under the Abuja lights.

Adding a continental touch, the African squad will also field elite talents from across the region, including Mark Fish (South Africa), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), El Hadji Diouf (Senegal), Essam El Hadary (Egypt), and Didier Zokora (Côte d’Ivoire). The team will be managed by former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia, whose experience and tactical prowess promise a spirited performance.

Barcelona Legends Bring Camp Nou Magic to Africa

The Barcelona Legends are making their second international appearance of the season, arriving fresh from a 3–2 win over Monterrey Legends in Mexico. Under the guidance of former Barça defender Albert Ferrer, the squad features an illustrious mix of icons and debutants ready to bring a touch of Catalan flair to Abuja.

Among the familiar names are Gaizka Mendieta, Ludovic Giuly, Javier Saviola, and Nolito — players whose artistry once illuminated the Camp Nou. Making their first appearances for the Barça Legends are Alex Song, who played for Barcelona from 2012 to 2014 after joining from Arsenal, and Andreu Fontàs, a La Masia graduate who enjoyed successful spells with Celta Vigo and Sporting Kansas City before his recent retirement.

Other confirmed members of the travelling squad include goalkeepers Vítor Baía and Jesús Angoy, defenders Philippe Christanval and Juan Pablo Sorín, and former midfielder Roger Garcia.

Two familiar faces for Nigerian fans, Haruna Babangida and Gbenga Okunowo will represent the Barcelona Legends, having once worn the club’s famous blaugrana colours. Babangida was part of Barça B between 1998 and 2004, while Okunowo featured for the senior team in the late 1990s.

A Reunion of Football Icons

The possibility of Ronaldinho’s participation remains a tantalizing question mark. The Brazilian maestro and close friend of Okocha has not yet confirmed his attendance, though organisers hint that a last-minute appearance could electrify the event.

For fans, the Abuja showdown is more than just a friendly — it’s a reunion of footballing royalty, a celebration of African talent, and a reminder of an era when artistry, joy, and creativity defined the beautiful game.