African Football Night returns to Abidjan to celebrate the legends

Abidjan, capital of African football legends. On 26 December 2024, Ivory Coast will host the 8th edition of the Nuit du Football Africain (NFA), or African Football Night, a flagship celebration dedicated to the continent's footballing icons. After travelling across several African capitals, the event returns to Abidjan, where it all began in 2013. It is a symbolic homecoming that promises to be memorable, with a tribute to African football's unmissable figures and to the host nation's recent success at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

“We had to go back to our roots, to where it all took shape,” says Yves Sawadogo, president of the organising committee. “Abidjan is more than a host city, it is the birthplace of the NFA.”

A prestigious programme and a host of award winners

Under the high patronage of Minister of State and Minister of Defence Tené Birahima Ouattara, and the chairmanship of Silas Adjé Metch, Minister Delegate for Sports, the 2024 edition of African Football Night promises an event that lives up to expectations. The evening, sponsored by Idriss Diallo, president of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), will honour 11 legends of African football, recognised for their exceptional talent and historic impact.

From Ivory Coast:

• Didier Drogba
• Yaya Touré
• Kolo Touré
• Didier Zokora
• Salomon Kalou
• Max Gradel
• Gervinho

From the rest of the continent:

• Abedi Pelé (Ghana)
• Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon)
• Badou Zaki (Morocco)
• Momo Sissoko (Mali)

The event will also celebrate the achievements of the victorious Africa Cup of Nations generations of 1992, 2015 and 2023, true sources of pride for Ivory Coast. There will also be special awards for political figures, including President of the Republic Alassane Ouattara, as well as the COCAN 2023 and the FIF for their outstanding contribution to the successful organisation of the tournament.

A symbol for Africa

Since its creation in 2013, African Football Night has been much more than an awards ceremony: it is a space for dialogue, recognition and exchange. For Yves Sawadogo, the event has a twofold mission: to celebrate the legends who have shaped the history of African football and to inspire new generations to build an ambitious future for the continent's game.

“Africa rewards Africa, but also the world,” he says enthusiastically. “Seeing icons like Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba or Abedi Pelé attend despite the end-of-year festivities shows how attached these legends are to this unique celebration.”

Abidjan in the spotlight

The choice of Abidjan for this edition is no coincidence. After staging the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations so impressively, Ivory Coast has established itself as a model of sporting success on the continent. “The head of state, His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, has proved his love for football,” says Yves Sawadogo. “Through African Football Night, we are celebrating this dynamic Ivory Coast that shines in Africa and beyond. ”

On the sidelines of the ceremony, a business networking event will be held on 25 December, bringing together guests, football figures, sponsors and media. It is a unique opportunity to encourage exchanges and boost projects for the development of African football.

African Football Night remains a celebration of the values that drive sport: excellence, passion and solidarity. By honouring the heroes of the past, it gives fresh impetus to the future of African football. “African football is a treasure,” concludes Yves Sawadogo. “African Football Night reminds us that our continent has exceptional talents and inspiring stories to share with the world.”

On 26 December 2024, Abidjan will once again be, for one night, the capital of African football, in a celebration where legends, guests and football lovers will be as one.