Football Legends—Samuel Eto’o, Jay-Jay Okocha and Emmanuel Adebayor—in Mogadishu for Historic Peace Match

MOGADISHU—On a sweltering Tuesday afternoon in Mogadishu, swirling clouds of white dust danced across the recently FIFA-sanctioned stadium, where excitement hung thick in the air.

Thousands of spectators filled the stands, chanting slogans and waving their team jerseys, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

The event marked a historic peace football match that brought together African football legends, including Samuel Eto’o, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Emmanuel Adebayor.

As the players emerged from the dressing room, the crowd surged forward in a frenzy, eager to witness this symbolic moment of unity and hope for Somalia’s sporting future.

The Sporting event was Attended by prominent figures such as the President of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA), Augustino Parek Maduot, and Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

The match underscored a broader narrative of recovery.

The legendary players teamed up with Somali Premier League stars to face off against a squad of former Ocean Stars.

Maduot expressed the importance of solidarity within the football community.

“We must always support our members in the Zone. It is vital to be united as a Football family.” His words resonated amidst the celebrations of sport and peace in a nation long scarred by conflict.

Described as the most significant sporting event in Somalia since the civil war, the match was witnessed by jubilant fans who cheered on the legends to an 8–4 victory.

However, the score was secondary to the spirit of the occasion, which symbolized a revival of national pride and a renewed sense of unity.

Prime Minister Barre hailed the event as a pivotal step in rebuilding Somalia’s sports identity.

“The presence of international stars and sports leaders demonstrates that global confidence in Somalia is returning,” he remarked.

Beyond its symbolic value, the match served practical purposes by assessing Somalia’s readiness to host international fixtures and showcasing ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s sports infrastructure.

The visiting football icons plan to remain in Mogadishu for several days, touring local facilities and engaging with officials on strategies to elevate Somali football.

Playing football has been criminalized in many regions of Somalia some years back since the insurgent group al-Shabab took control in 2006.

However, recent government efforts have liberated numerous areas, allowing football to emerge as a vital tool against youth radicalization.

In Mogadishu and across regional governments, football has become a beacon of hope, engaging youth and providing an alternative to recruitment by armed groups.

The annual national football competition, attended by representatives from five regional member states, has become a platform for unity.

Last year, Galmudug State clinched the National Cup, while Puntland State triumphed the previous year.

Cultural celebrations during competitions, including women in traditional attire performing Somali songs and drumming, emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence and the collective efforts to combat militancy.

Hassan Shire Ahmed, the chairman of Galmudug Sports, noted that Since they began involving their youth in football, very few have joined al-Shabab.

” In the last three years, not a single youth has been reported to have joined the militant group.” he told Kulan Post in an interview

He highlighted how football clubs in central Somalia are not only combating radicalization but also creating new income opportunities for young people.

Hussein Ali Sahal, the Adado District Education Officer, pointed out that football is also fostering reconciliation among communities.

“Our primary goal in establishing football clubs was to deter youth from dangerous ideologies propagated by militant groups. As we progressed, we realized that soccer also played a role in reconciling communities with past misunderstandings,” he explained.

Rufai Mohamud , a local teacher remarked on the growing popularity of football among local youth, stating that it has become a shield against anti-social behavior.

Meanwhile, Cigaal Mohamud Nurre, a former coach of the Adado district team, confirmed that seven football clubs are currently registered with the local ministry of sports.

The renovation of the Adado public stadium, completed at a cost of $145,500 in 2019 by the Federal Republic of Somalia, aims to support efforts against youth radicalization in central Somalia.

As Somalia continues its journey towards recovery, the recent match featuring football legends serves as a powerful reminder that sport can unite and inspire, paving the way for a brighter future.