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Three of Africa’s most celebrated football icons—Samuel Eto’o, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Emmanuel Adebayor—have landed in Mogadishu as part of a historic FIFA-backed peace tour aimed at supporting Somalia’s bid to host international football matches for the first time in over three decades. The visit, dubbed the “Legendary Peace Tour,” marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s efforts to re-establish itself as a legitimate host nation for FIFA-sanctioned games.
The delegation, organized with the backing of FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), includes senior officials from both governing bodies. Their mission is to assess Mogadishu’s stadium infrastructure, security environment, and institutional readiness to host international competitions. Somali Football Federation (SFF) President Ali Abdi Mohamed hailed the visit as a turning point, stating, “Our goal is to host matches at home once again. The presence of these legends shows the world that Somalia is ready.”
At the heart of Somalia’s football revival is Mogadishu Stadium, a facility that has endured decades of conflict and occupation. Once controlled by Ethiopian forces, Al-Shabaab militants, and African Union troops, the stadium was finally returned to Somali authorities in 2023 and reopened for football in early 2024. The delegation is expected to tour the stadium and other key sporting and cultural facilities, including Eng. Yarisow Stadium and the SFF headquarters.
A meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled at the presidential palace later this week, where discussions will focus on Somalia’s football development and security benchmarks required for hosting international matches. FIFA and CAF have outlined a series of conditions Somalia must meet before earning the right to host official competitions, including infrastructure upgrades, security guarantees, and administrative reforms.
The visit will culminate in a much-anticipated exhibition match at Mogadishu Stadium, featuring Somali national team legends, government ministers, and the three visiting African icons. Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali, will captain the guest team, with fans urged to arrive early due to enhanced security measures.
Minister Ali, a former footballer himself, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The visit of these legends shows how far we’ve come. We will show the world that Somalia is rebuilding—and football is a part of that story.”
The match is expected to be more than just a sporting event; it serves as a powerful political and symbolic statement. In a country where football has often been silenced by gunfire, the sight of international stars sharing the pitch with local players offers a message of renewal and hope.
Somalia’s football community has long struggled with isolation due to security concerns, but the government remains committed to reviving the sport as a tool for peacebuilding and youth empowerment. The presence of Eto’o, Okocha, and Adebayor in Mogadishu signals growing confidence in Somalia’s ability to host international events, with FIFA and CAF officials closely monitoring the progress.
As Somalia continues its journey toward football reintegration, the Legendary Peace Tour stands as a testament to the resilience of the nation and its determination to reclaim its place in the global sporting arena.