google-site-verification: googlec7193c3de77668c9.html

Football in Somalia: Legends Adebayor, Eto’o and Okocha bring hope to Mogadishu

35b12e50 3c80 11f0 b6e6 4ddb91039da1.jpg

Somalia’s footballers have always struggled to make an impact on the continental stage, and its men are currently ranked 201st out of 210 national teams in the world – with only Seychelles and unranked Eritrea beneath them in Africa.

They have never made it past the preliminary round in qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations and have only ever registered one win in qualifying for the Fifa World Cup.

Djibouti has become Somalia’s most frequent venue for ‘home’ games during almost four decades in exile, during which time their stadium in Mogadishu was repeatedly requisitioned for military use.

Djibouti Football Association president Souleiman Waberi, who also holds high office at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and Fifa, says the legends game is the first step to the return of the Ocean Stars.

“Maybe the next step will be a friendly match with another country,” Waberi added.

“Then the Somalia FA can send a letter to Caf to request them to come to check the stadium.

“If it meets all criteria, Somalia can host international games here in Mogadishu.”

Recent home qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup have been staged as far afield as Morocco and Mozambique, but supporters are eager for their side to return to home soil.

Nasteexa Maxamuud was among the thousands in attendance on Tuesday to see Adebayor, Eto’o and Okocha in action.

“I’m genuinely very happy having three world-renowned footballers visit us, be warmly welcomed, and return safely,” she told the BBC.

“To Somalia, I say may this peace last.

“Just as these players came and left in peace and good health, I hope the same will happen for others.”


BBC News

Views: 2

See also  Why Kenya's forgotten indigenous vegetables are proving a culinary hit

Check Also

'I was tortured and lost my hand' – one student's struggle to get an education in Nigeria

The BBC speaks to a student who pushed for his his toe print to be …

Wanted activist arrested in South Africa over support for Benin coup plot

Keba Seba is known for opposing French influence in Africa and backing West Africa’s military …

South African opposition figure Malema sentenced to five years in prison

Malema is appealing against the decision to prevent him from being taken to prison on …

Leave a Reply

Available for Amazon Prime