By Yusuf A. Yusuf Giginyu
The Kano State Government has agreed to host a novelty football match featuring FC Barcelona Legends and African Football Legends on December 19, 2026, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Comrade Abdullahi Ibrahim Waiya, confirmed this during a press conference at the ministry following a meeting with the match organiser and Chief Executive Officer of Zeus Sports Promotion, Mr Emmanuel Emenogu.
During the event, the commissioner received a Barcelona jersey presented by a representative of the club as part of activities marking the announcement of the novelty match.
Waiya also disclosed that a team from the ministry would visit the Sani Abacha Stadium next week to inspect the facility and assess its readiness to host the high-profile football event.
Speaking at the press conference, the CEO of Zeus Sports Promotion, Emmanuel Emenogu, revealed that the proposed partnership with Barcelona goes beyond the novelty match.
According to him, the football club is considering establishing a Barcelona Academy in Kano, where children would have the opportunity to receive education while developing their skills in various sporting activities, including football, basketball and handball.
He also disclosed plans to establish a five-star hotel that would provide accommodation and training facilities for professional athletes and teams visiting the state for camping and other sporting activities.
However, Emenogu explained that the proposed novelty match would serve as an important step towards securing final approval for the broader investment initiative.
He said the match would provide Barcelona with an opportunity to appreciate Kano State’s peaceful environment, passion for sports and potential as an attractive destination for investment.
Emenogu further stated that the proposed investment project could cost approximately €1.5 billion if approved.
The novelty match is expected to feature renowned African football stars, including Didier Drogba, John Obi Mikel and Samuel Eto’o, alongside former Barcelona greats such as Ronaldinho.
The event is expected to attract football fans and sports enthusiasts from across the country while further showcasing Kano State’s growing ambition to become a major destination for sports and investment.