Abuja is set to become the centre of African sports and culture as the African Continental Free Trade Area Festival (ACFTA FEST) 2026 officially kicks off with a star-studded football gala. One of the biggest highlights of the festival will be a “Legends Game” featuring Super Eagles Legends versus African Legends, scheduled to take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium between February 26 and 28, 2026. The match is expected to attract fans from across the continent.

The gala game will showcase some of Nigeria’s most celebrated football heroes, including Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo, Daniel Amokachi, and Mutiu Adepoju, alongside other legendary African players. Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu confirmed that the legends would be fully involved, explaining that the event is not just about football but also about celebrating African culture and inspiring young people across the continent.

Beyond the pitch, ACFTA FEST 2026 is a Pan-African initiative designed to empower over 1.5 million African youths through entrepreneurship, arts, and sports. The festival also aims to facilitate up to $5 billion in trade partnerships while increasing grassroots awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Former Cameroonian international Eyong Enoh described the festival as a powerful platform for trade, innovation, mentorship, and sports diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as a key driver of Africa’s economic future.

Stakeholders have also praised the festival’s economic impact. Aisha Abdulahi, Vice President (Legal) of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), said the event aligns with efforts to boost enterprise development and intra-African trade, especially for small and medium businesses. Project Lead Dr. Diom Ambe added that ACFTA FEST is about unity, identity, and opportunity, stressing that hosting African legends in Nigeria reflects a shared vision for Africa’s growth and future generations.