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

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.”