AWC Sports Desk
Preparations for the World Soccer Legends – War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match, Nigeria 2026, gathered fresh momentum as members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) paid a strategic courtesy visit to the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, OON, at the start of the new year.
The visit, aimed at ensuring early coordination and seamless delivery of the landmark charity event scheduled for April 2026, underscored the organisers’ resolve to “hit the ground running” as planning enters an intensive phase.
Led by the National Coordinator of the World Soccer Legends – War Against Cancer, Mr. Jacob Onu, the delegation held a high-level engagement with the NOC leadership on institutional partnership, technical support and strategic collaboration, all geared towards guaranteeing global standards in organisation, logistics and international participation.
During the meeting, the organisers formally presented the official match kits to the NOC President, symbolising unity of purpose and shared commitment to using sports as a powerful tool for health advocacy and social impact. The presentation was jointly made by Engr. Anthony Oladejo Adeola, a member of the MOC, alongside Mr. Jacob Onu.
Engr. Habu Gumel, OON, who has played a pivotal role in advancing sports development and international representation for Nigeria, welcomed the initiative and commended the organisers for leveraging football’s global appeal to confront the cancer burden, a growing public health concern across Africa.
The World Soccer Legends – War Against Cancer Charity Match is expected to bring together celebrated former football stars from across the world, policymakers, health advocates and corporate partners, using sport to drive awareness, raise funds and mobilise support for cancer prevention, treatment and care.
With institutional engagement now underway, organisers say the Abuja 2026 event is firmly on course to deliver not only a world-class sporting spectacle but also a strong humanitarian message, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing profile as a hub for impactful international sporting and charity initiatives.
