After the Barça Legends’ clash in Monterrey (Mexico), where they ran out 3–2 winners thanks to a David Villa hat-trick, Albert Ferrer’s side are set for their second outing of the season in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. They’ll take on a team of Africa Legends on Saturday 25 October at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, which holds over 60,000 fans. Kick-off is 3pm local time (4pm CET). This will be the Legends’ fifth visit to Africa, following previous trips to Maputo (Mozambique, 2017), Mohammedia (Morocco, 2019), Lusaka (Zambia, 2023) and Kinshasa (DR Congo, 2023).

Nigeria is one of African football’s powerhouses, with three Africa Cup of Nations titles (1980, 1994 and 2013) and six runner-up finishes (1984, 1988, 1990, 2000, 2023). They have also featured in six of the last eight World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2018) and boast three Olympic medals: gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.

Nigerians al Barça

Four Nigerians have turned out for the Barça first team: Emmanuel Amunike (1997–2000), who won two league titles, two Copas del Rey, the Cup Winners’ Cup and a European Super Cup; Samuel Okunowo (1998–99), who claimed a league medal; Haruna Babangida (2000–01), the youngest ever debutant for Barça B at just 16; and Elohor Godswill (2014), who featured in the Copa Catalunya with the senior side.

Ronaldinho with the Legends

For the Abuja match, Ferrer will be able to call on Ronaldinho, who has confirmed his place in the squad. He’ll be joined by Ludovic Giuly, Javier Saviola, Jesús Angoy, Samuel Okunowo, Marc Valiente, Fernando Navarro and Roberto Trashorras, with more names to be revealed closer to the date.

Experienced hosts

On the other side, the Africa Legends have already announced the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Adebayor, and former Barça man Alex Song, who spent two seasons at the club between 2012 and 2014. The African line-up will bring huge experience from Europe’s top leagues, including the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A and Ligue 1, with further players to be confirmed.

About the Barça Legends 

The Barça Legends project was launched in 2016, run directly by the club. It brings together former players in a professional framework that helps spread the Barça brand and values worldwide. Since its creation, more than 80 ex-players have featured at least once for the Legends in matches around the globe.

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