Ronaldinho vs Okocha: Ex-Barcelona Star To Face Off Against Super Eagles Legend in Nigeria
- Ronaldinho and Okocha are set to meet for the first time in Nigeria since their last meeting in 2003
- Ronaldinho headlines the Barcelona Legends squad set to face Africa Legends in Abuja on 25 October 2025
- Jay-Jay Okocha leads Africa Legends, joined by Kanu, Adebayor, and Alex Song for the charity clash in Abuja
Abuja is preparing for one of its most exciting football spectacles as former Brazilian star Ronaldinho and Nigerian legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha headline a star-studded legends match between Barcelona Legends and Africa Legends.
The highly anticipated game will be played on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium with kick-off at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Source: Getty Images
The match promises entertainment, as two of football’s most gifted playmakers, Okocha and Ronaldinho, go head-to-head once more.
The Barca legends squad
The Barca Legends project, launched in 2016, has thrilled fans across the globe, and Abuja will now host its fifth African stop after previous games in Mozambique, Morocco, Zambia, and DR Congo.
Confirmed for the match is Ronaldinho, whose dazzling skills and joyful approach to football inspired millions worldwide, Barcelona's website confirms.
He will be joined by former Barcelona stars Ludovic Giuly, Javier Saviola, Jesus Angoy, Samuel Okunowo, Marc Valiente, Fernando Navarro, and Roberto Trashorras, with additional names to be revealed before matchday.
Source: Getty Images
The Barca legends team arrives in Nigeria on the back of a 3–2 victory over Monterrey Legends in Mexico, a game highlighted by a David Villa hat-trick.
Africa legends filled with superstars
On the opposing side, the Africa Legends will showcase some of the continent’s finest ex-players.
Jay-Jay Okocha, widely regarded as one of the most skillful players of all time, will captain the side alongside fellow Nigerian great Nwankwo Kanu, per Arise News.
The squad also includes former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and ex-Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, with more African icons expected to join.
For fans, the clash is more than a friendly, it is a celebration of African football greatness.
Nigeria, the hosts, boast an illustrious football history with three AFCON titles and six World Cup appearances.
This match provides fans an opportunity to relive some of the magic that shaped African football’s golden years.
Ronaldinho and Okocha face off again
This charity game will bring back sweet memories of Ronaldinho and Okocha’s time together at PSG, where Okocha acted as a mentor to the young Brazilian.
While Ronaldinho went on to win the World Cup, Ballon d’Or, and Champions League, Okocha remains beloved for his incredible flair and entertainment value, with his “Okocha Stepover” still a signature move in football history.
Fans in Abuja will witness outrageous skills and pure football artistry from both teams.
Okocha explains relationship with Ronaldinho
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that former Nigerian international Austin Jay Jay Okocha has disclosed that Brazilian football star Ronaldinho saw him as his 'senior brother'.
The pair are regarded as two of the greatest dribblers who ever played football, and they shared the same dressing room at French club Paris Saint-Germain between 2001 and 2003.
Source: Legit.ng
