By Amah Alphonsus Amaonye | AWC Sports & Humanitarian Desk
A high-powered organising delegation led by Mr. Jacob Onu, National Coordinator of the World Soccer Legends — War Against Cancer International Charity Match, met with Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, on recently to present a detailed workplan for the forthcoming charity fixture in Abuja and to secure federal backing for the project.
The meeting — held at the Minister’s office in Abuja — underlines growing momentum behind an event organisers say will unite football legends from across the globe to raise awareness and fund clinical support for cancer patients in Nigeria.
Jacob Onu, who coordinated the delegation, handed over the match workplan and discussed logistics, security, medical support and channeling of proceeds to national cancer-care initiatives.
What the Meeting Achieved
Officials say the presentation covered a full operational plan: venue confirmation, security arrangements, VIP and corporate partnerships, media coverage, and how match proceeds will be channelled.
The Ministry of State signalled receptiveness to the initiative and promised to work with the organisers to ensure the match’s humanitarian objectives are realised.
The Ministry’s public channels later posted images and a brief press advisory acknowledging receipt of the delegation.
What the Match Promises — Stars, Stadium and Solidarity
Organisers and supporting sports stakeholders have previously signalled that the match will be staged in Abuja with world and African football icons expected to feature.
Earlier coverage of the World Soccer Legends initiative identified both global stars and African greats among invitees, with the Moshood Abiola National Stadium (or other major Abuja venues) mooted as likely locations.
The event has attracted endorsements from sports administrators, including the National Sports Commission (NSC) chair, who pledged institutional backing.
Media reports suggest the event will showcase an international mix of former professionals — from Barcelona legends to African icons such as Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu — in a spectacle designed to both entertain and raise funds for screening, treatment and palliative care programmes across Nigeria.
Jacob Onu: The Man Projecting the Match
Jacob Onu has emerged as the public face and national coordinator of the World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer campaign in Nigeria.
His role includes mobilising stakeholders, drafting the operational workplan, managing liaison with government bodies and securing the attendance of international players.
Organisers say Onu’s stewardship has been central to rallying support from sporting bodies, corporate sponsors and federal agencies.
The Core Reporters and Blueprint coverage of the campaign earlier in 2025 highlighted Onu’s involvement in nationwide stakeholder engagements and his role in securing endorsements from sports and public-service leaders.
Those engagements helped build a platform that organisers now hope to convert into funds and long-term programmes for cancer care.
Why This Matters: Sport as a Vehicle for Health Impact
Large celebrity charity matches have a proven track record of mobilising funds and public attention for health causes. In Nigeria’s context, where cancer diagnosis and treatment access remain limited, an effective, well-managed fundraising match could support screening campaigns, subsidised treatments, and capacity building in oncology services.
Organisers told ministries they intend to ensure transparency in fund management and to partner with accredited health agencies so that resources flow directly to programme delivery.
The Ministry indicated it would advise on appropriate beneficiary channels and regulatory compliance.
Logistics: Stadium, Security and Timeline
While organisers have discussed a range of dates in media briefings, the delegation’s November meeting focused on firming up Abuja 2026 arrangements. Key operational issues raised included:
- confirming a major Abuja venue and stadium services;
- securing high-level security clearance and crowd management plans with federal and stadium authorities;
- medical and emergency response systems for match day; and
- sponsorship packages and ticket-sales strategies to maximise proceeds for cancer programmes.
Support from Sports Institutions and Next Steps
The event has already attracted support from national sports bodies and public officials. The NSC chairman’s endorsement and public statements from football administrators provide an important institutional base organisers can leverage for logistics and player mobilisation.
Next steps include finalising the venue, a public launch of the campaign with confirmed player rosters, corporate sponsorship closing, and a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) between organisers and the Ministry detailing how funds will be audited and distributed to cancer-care initiatives.
Bottom Line
The Onu-led delegation’s meeting with Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu marks a crucial turning point in preparations for what organisers hope will be a landmark humanitarian event in Nigeria’s capital.
If the planners can translate star power and government goodwill into rigorous logistics, transparent fundraising and measurable health outcomes, the World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer match has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s fight against cancer.
AWC will continue to follow developments, publish confirmed match details and provide readers with updates on player confirmations, venue announcements and how proceeds will be deployed to cancer-care programmes.
