When most of the world thinks of Somalia, images of conflict and piracy often come to mind. Political instability has long hindered the development of sport in the country, with Somalia’s men’s national football team—the Ocean Stars—unable to play competitively on home soil since 1986.
Yet this week, Mogadishu’s 65,000-capacity National Stadium welcomed a historic event as African football legends Emmanuel Adebayor, Samuel Eto’o, and Jay Jay Okocha traveled to the Somali capital to take part in an exhibition match. The game represents a significant step toward bringing the continent’s top stars back to Somalia and reviving the country’s passion for football.
“This football showcase is truly a historic moment. It marks the day Somalia earned a golden place on the world stage,” said local youth coach and player Cabdulaahi Geesey. “Sharing the pitch with Okocha, Eto’o and Adebayor, wearing the same kit and even scoring a goal is a dream come true. The image these guests will carry back with them is of a peaceful Somalia, a united people and a football culture that is rising once again. Somalia deserves the trust to start hosting matches on home soil again.”
The match was part of a ‘peace tour’ backed by FIFA and drew thousands to the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere in a venue with a tumultuous history. Adebayor, the former Arsenal and Real Madrid striker, hailed the occasion as “wonderful.” “We just pray for God to give you peace so that you can build your country,” he said.
However, the security situation remains fragile. Heavy police presence guarded the stadium amid ongoing threats from Al-Shabab militants, who have made territorial gains and carried out deadly attacks near Mogadishu in recent months. Somalia’s Security Minister Mohamed Ali Haga described the match as an opportunity “to change the perception of the world towards Somalia and show the world that Mogadishu is peaceful.”
Somalia’s football team faces enormous challenges. Ranked 201st out of 210 national teams globally, the Ocean Stars have never advanced past preliminary rounds in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and have only recorded one win in World Cup qualifying. Since 1986, they have been forced to host ‘home’ matches abroad, mainly in Djibouti, because their national stadium was repeatedly requisitioned for military use during decades of conflict.
Djibouti Football Association president Souleiman Waberi—also a CAF and FIFA official—sees the legends match as a vital first step. “Maybe the next step will be a friendly match with another country,” he said. “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.”
The National Stadium, built in 1977 with Chinese support, was closed in 1991 following the collapse of President Siad Barre’s regime. It served as a base for US and Pakistani peacekeepers, was reopened in 1995, and later occupied by Ethiopian troops and Al-Shabab militants. A renovation in 2020 restored facilities and installed artificial turf. The stadium reopened officially in 2021 to a full house for a domestic league game.
Supporters like Nasteexa Maxamuud, who witnessed the legends’ match, are hopeful. “I’m genuinely very happy having three world-renowned footballers visit us, be warmly welcomed, and return safely,” she said. “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.”
With this historic exhibition, Somalia is taking bold steps to reclaim its football heritage and send a message of peace and unity to the world.
