Skills Reunion: JJ Okocha, Ronaldinho Set To Ignite Abuja

By Andrew Abah, Abuja 

With exactly 25 days left until kick-off, anticipation is building for one of Africa’s most eagerly awaited football experiences of 2025: a legends showdown between African Legends led by Jay-Jay Okocha and Barca legends led by Ronaldinho, set for October 25 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Organized by the Attom Foundation in collaboration with ZMB Homes and WGI Sports, the Champions Cup clash pits a Barcelona Legends side led by Ronaldinho against an Africa Legends team captained by Okocha and featuring icons like Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Adebayor, Alex Song, among others. The game will kick-off at 3:00 p.m. local time, bringing together some of football’s most celebrated legends to Abuja, Nigeria.

Beyond the football spectacle, proceeds from the event will support girl-child empowerment initiatives in Nigeria. 

While Okocha and Ronaldinho graced the same PSG squad between 2001 and 2003, their dynamic back then was more mentor-mentee than rivals — with Okocha guiding the young Brazilian’s adaptation to European football.  

Time has turned relationship into one of respect, rivalry and nostalgia. Though they wore the same colours in Paris, they competed for the gong of being the world’s most expressive footballers and that rivalry will be rekindled in Abuja.

Alongside Ronaldinho, confirmed names for Barcelona Legends include Ludovic Giuly, Javier Saviola, Jesús Angoy, Marc Valiente, Fernando Navarro, Roberto Trashorras, Samuel Okunowo and more.

Africa Legends will showcase a powerful squad which include JJ Okocha, Neankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Adebayor, Alex Song and a host of other legends. 

Spectators will have the chance to meet the legends, enjoy side attractions and be part of a charitable event that blends sport and social impact.