Retired super-star footballers such as Didier Drogba, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, and Nwankwo Kanu have been lined-up to feature in a Charity Champions’ Cup match on June 15, 2024.
This was made known on Thursday at a press conference in Lekki, Lagos with the organisers, Attom Foundation, saying that the match will be used to raise funds for charity initiatives in Nigeria.
The match has been scheduled for the Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) National Stadium in Abuja with this year’s event aimed at giving respite to people who are visually impaired with a target to provide treatment for over 10,000 Nigerians.
Founder of Attom Foundation, Yahaya Attom while addressing reporters at the press conference said he decided to set up the foundation so as to contribute his quota in catering for the less privileged in the society.
“The Charity Champions’ Cup stands as a testament to making a difference. This initiative embodies the essence of our foundation, uniting legendary footballers, celebrities and individuals from all walks of life to tackle a critical healthcare need which is eye care for the elderly in Nigeria,” Attom said.
“Already, the foundation has acquired four mobile eye clinics with plans to have at least one in each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
“This is a thrilling project for us. We are grateful for the support we have received so far. There is still work to be done but we are confident that we will achieve our goal.”
Comedian and actor, Stanley Chibuna known as Funny Bone told journalists at the press conference why they decided to use football as the driving force for the project.
“Football unifies Nigerians like nothing else,” Funny Bone said. “Just look at the recent AFCON and how everyone came together as one Nigeria. That is why we are using football to drive this initiative.”
Dancer, Kafayat Shafau known as Kaffy also spoke at the press conference and expressed her excitement about another opportunity to make a positive impact in the society.
Skitmaker, Emmanuel Ogonna Iwueke known as Craze Clown gave thumbs up to the project even as he revealed to the audience that he is a medical doctor by profession.
Fitness instructor, Ekemini Ekerette known as Kemen also joined the call for corporate support for the Charity Champions Cup’s noble goal.
Kemen said that corporate support will go a long way in sustaining the event which will be held annually.
Apart from the afore-mentioned footballers, Super Eagles stars like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Kenneth Omeruo will play.
Super Falcons players, Asisat Oshoala and Michelle Alozie will also feature as well as some other legends like Vincent Enyeama and El-Hadji Diouf.
Other retired star players that will participate in the event include Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue as well as Mario Balotelli.
Nigerian celebrities such as Tiwa Savage, Ayo Makun, Akpororo and Nedu Ani will further enliven the event.
According to the organisers, the Charity Champions Cup has been endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
