‘Historic and hopeful’: Eto’o, Okocha and Adebayor in Mogadishu

Mogadishu Stadium was full. The stands were packed with fans waving flags and beating drums. For one afternoon, football took centre stage in the Somali capital—and the mood was electric. 

Some of the biggest names in African football had come to play. Samuel Eto’o, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Emmanuel Adebayor stepped onto the pitch not for competition, but for something more symbolic: an exhibition match meant to show that Somalia is ready to host major sporting events. They are the most high-profile sports figures to visit Somalia in more than 50 years—since basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar travelled to the country in 1972. 

Yusuf Ahmed, the secretary general of the Somali Football Federation, told Geeska that the event was both “historic and hopeful”. “The presence of some of Africa’s most iconic football stars, revered across both the continent and Europe, brought joy and a sense of global connection to the Somali people,” Ahmed added.  

The new sports minister, Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali, called the event a major step. He said it was not just about football—it was about proving that Mogadishu can be a safe and credible venue for international matches, including home games for Somalia’s national team. It was a day that may be remembered not just as a celebration, but as a new beginning for Somali sport. 

For that reason, the setting mattered as much as the match. Mogadishu Stadium has long stood as a backdrop against which major chapters of the country’s history have unfolded. 

Built in the late 1970s with Chinese support, it was once a symbol of Somali aspirations and a stage where Somalia showcased itself to the world. Football matches drew huge crowds, but so did political rallies. President Siad Barre often used the stadium for public ceremonies and military parades, projecting power from its packed stands. 

That symbolism took a darker turn after the state collapsed in 1991. During the long years of civil war, the stadium was seized by armed groups and repurposed as a military base. Its pitch became a battleground. In 2007, it was again militarised—as Ethiopian troops backing the transitional government fought to capture it from forces loyal to the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). 

For years, Mogadishu Stadium was closed to the public—its stands falling into disrepair, scarred with bullet holes, and its once-pristine pitch overtaken by weeds and wild grass. As the grounds where Somali sportspeople once showcased their talents to the world, its ruin became a stark symbol of the country’s wider collapse.  

Its prospective reopening for international football marks not just a return to global competition but a reclaiming of public space for Somalis and visiting athletes—a clear sign that Somalia is slowly but surely moving forward. 

At first, even the most optimistic Somalis found it hard to believe that Eto’o, Okocha and Adebayor would actually arrive in the city. It seemed like a dream. But that dream quickly became reality the moment the three icons of African football touched down at Aden Adde International Airport. They were welcomed by a large delegation, including the sports minister, Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali and the president of the Somali Football Federation, Ali Mohamed Abdi, known as Ali Shiine.  

“Hosting matches at Mogadishu Stadium is a massive boost to our football profile,” said Ali Shiine, following a spectacular event that drew over 20,000 fans to the stadium. It was the first time in more than three decades—since the start of the civil war—that Mogadishu Stadium had hosted an event of this scale. To call it a success would be a major understatement. 

The significance wasn’t lost on the visitors either. “Me being here is wonderful, and we just pray for God to give you guys peace so that you can build your country,” said Emmanuel Adebayor after the match. “Obviously, I’ve seen what you’ve done—it’s beautiful, it’s incredible. Good luck to Somalia.” 

Beyond proving that Somalia is safe and capable of hosting large-scale events, the most powerful impact of the Match for Peace as it was called lies in its ability to inspire. 

Waberi Souleiman Hassan, President of the Djibouti Football Federation and a member of the FIFA Council, was the key architect behind this historic occasion. As one of the most influential figures in African football, he played a pivotal role—working closely with the Somali Football Federation to turn this vision into reality. 

Beyond proving that Somalia is safe and capable of hosting large-scale events, the most powerful impact of the Match for Peace as it was called lies in its ability to inspire. It gives young Somali boys and girls the rare chance to see football legends in their own country—and to believe that they, too, can one day follow in their footsteps. 

Former Somali international captain Cisse Abshir shared his excitement, saying he is “delighted” and hopeful that “bigger things will follow.” He added: “this is more than just a message about security in Somalia—it’s about showing Somalis that we are capable of achieving great things.” 

 For years, Somalia has been forced to play its "home" games abroad—constantly travelling without the lift of a home crowd. 

In the days that followed, the three African stars explored Mogadishu—visiting shopping malls, meeting fans, and even attending a women’s football training session. Their presence there sent a strong message of support and equality in a country where women’s sport often struggles for visibility. The moment was widely covered on Somali TV and social media, sparking pride and excitement across the country. For many, it wasn’t just about meeting football legends—it was about being seen, acknowledged, and inspired. 

Just a few years ago, Mogadishu Stadium was a fortified base. Today, it stands reborn: full of life, filled with fans, and ringing with the sound of the world’s game. 

If Somalia reaches a point where it is allowed to host international matches at home, it would be a game-changer for the national team. For years, Somalia has been forced to play its "home" games abroad—constantly travelling without the lift of a home crowd. Being able to play on Somali soil, with Somali fans behind them, would provide a huge psychological edge. 

Football remains one of the most powerful unifiers in Somalia. Whether it’s the U-17s or the senior side, whenever Somalia plays, the entire country watches—hopeful, proud, together. That’s what made this moment so powerful. Just a few years ago, Mogadishu Stadium was a fortified base. Today, it stands reborn: full of life, filled with fans, and ringing with the sound of the world’s game. 

Hope. Pride. Joy. After years of hardship, Somalia is beginning to reclaim moments it can truly call its own.