By Deborah Coker
Some of Africa’s greatest football icons, including Jay-Jay Okocha, Mark Fish, El-Hadji Diouf, and Nwankwo Kanu, will play in a match in Abuja on Saturday, in a star-studded exhibition match against Barcelona Legends.
The charity match, billed for the National Stadium, Abuja, by 3.00 pm is being organised by Zahra Buhari-Indimi , under the ZMB Homes Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on supporting widows, orphans, and the underprivileged.
The initiative is being held in collaboration with the Attom Foundation, founded by Yahaya Attom, Entrepreneur, Project Manager, and Creator of Obsession Apparel.
Ahead of the anticipated showdown, the full team lists with jersey numbers have been released.
The African Legends, coached by former Super Eagles manager Samson Siasia, will feature Essam El-Hadary (1) and Victor Enyeama (12) as goalkeepers.
Defenders include Mark Fish (6), Taiye Taiwo (3), Elderson Echeijile (21), Igor Lolo (2), Didier Zokora (5), and Allansane Ndour (16).
The midfield line-up includes Jay-Jay Okocha (10) and Khalilou Fadiga (99).
The forwards are a who’s who of African football royalty; Nwankwo Kanu (4), Obafemi Martins (9), Victor Ikpeba (20), Julius Aghahowa (17), Emmanuel Adebayor (25), El-Hadji Diouf (11), Salomon Kalou (21), and Daniel Amokachi (14).
For the Barcelona Legends, coached by former Barça star Albert Ferrer, the line-up includes goalkeepers Jesús Angoy (1) and Vítor Baía (99).
Defenders include Samuel Okunowo (22), Philippe Christanval (12), Andreu Fontàs (24), Marc Valiente (29), Juan Pablo Sorín (20), Fernando Navarro (19), and Juan Carlos Rodríguez (5).
Midfielders are Alex Song (17), Roberto Trashorras (6), Gaizka Mendieta (17), and Roger Garcia (10); while the attack features Haruna Babangida (17), Nolito (22), Ludovic Giuly (8), Jonatan Soriano (9), and Javier Saviola (7).
Speaking ahead of the match, Buhari-Indimi described the event as “a unique fusion of sport, charity, and continental friendship”.
She explained that proceeds would be used to fund projects in youth empowerment, maternal health, and education.
“This event is not just about football; it’s about using the universal language of the game to unite people and bring hope to communities that need it most,” she said, urging Nigerians to turn out in large numbers to support the cause.
Drawing inspiration from her father, former President Muhammadu Buhari, she added “Baba came from a modest background but rose to achieve so much for Nigeria.
“I am committed to helping many more people with similar backgrounds realise their potential, just as my father did.”
(NAN)