Abuja: The Organisers of the World Soccer Legends (War Against Cancer) International Charity Football Match are set to partner with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in fighting cancer in the country. Jacob Onu, the National Coordinator of the charity match, revealed this initiative during a courtesy call on NAN’s Editor-in-Chief, Mufutau Ojo, by members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the charity football match is scheduled to take place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on October 4. This event is in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAD), the National Sports Commission (NSC), and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Onu emphasized the event’s goal of raising funds to tackle cancer, using football as a platform.
Onu expressed that the partnership with NAN is part of aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his vision for addressing health challenges. He stressed the importance of collective efforts in combating cancer, stating that the disease affects both rural and urban populations across Nigeria. He also highlighted the event’s potential to raise funds for awareness, treatment, and research related to cancer.
Onu listed renowned football legends such as Abedi Pele, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Zinedine Zidane, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and Kanu Nwankwo as expected participants in the charity match.
In response, Ojo assured the Organisers of NAN’s full support for the 2025 World Soccer Legends (War Against Cancer) International Charity Football Match. He emphasized NAN’s extensive reach, noting its presence across all states in Nigeria, with numerous zonal and district offices. Ojo also mentioned NAN’s global presence, including a standing mission at the UN in New York and offices in Johannesburg and Cote d’Ivoire, with plans to reopen others.
Ojo encouraged collaboration with NAN’s Sports desk and pledged media support for the initiative. He underscored the importance of public interest journalism and the agency’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving public health.
NAN reports that other members of the Main Organising Committee present at the meeting included AVM Kabiru Aliyu (Retd.), Head of Security, Paul Atteh, Samuel Taninowo, and Chioma Obot.