The most hyped Arsenal Legends vs Harambee Stars Legends match, scheduled for Friday evening, November 13, at Nyayo National Stadium, has been postponed.
The decision comes after most of the former Arsenal players expected in Nairobi failed to arrive.
The match was scheduled to kick off at 7 pm and was expected to feature 24 former Arsenal players against retired Harambee Stars internationals.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 13, the organisers apologised to fans, partners and stakeholders, saying they could not deliver the match as advertised because not all the expected Arsenal legends had arrived.
“We regret to inform you that the Legends Cup 2026 fixture scheduled for today will not proceed as planned and has been postponed,” the statement read.
The organisers clarified that the decision did not mean the match had been cancelled, adding that they were working with their partners to agree on a new date.
“The event is postponed (not cancelled), and we are working closely with all partners to confirm a new date, which we will communicate in due course,” they said.
They also announced that all tickets would be refunded.
“All tickets shall be refunded,” the organisers stated.
This comes after reports that, by Friday morning, only former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue had arrived in Nairobi, raising questions about whether the match would take place.
A press release issued on Wednesday listed several former Arsenal players expected to feature in the game, including Theo Walcott, Yaya Sanogo, Bacary Sagna, Gervinho and Alex Song.
The absence of the advertised players hours before kick-off has raised concerns about the organisers’ ability to stage the match.
Arsenal Legends vs Harambee Stars Legends Match Postponed
The announcement followed growing uncertainty over the availability of the former Arsenal players expected to take part in the exhibition match.
A press release issued earlier in the week had listed 24 former Arsenal players, including Theo Walcott, Yaya Sanogo, Bacary Sagna, Gervinho and Alex Song.
However, by Friday morning, only former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue had reportedly arrived in Nairobi.
Sports journalist Eric Njiru had raised concerns over the fixture, reporting that contractual disagreements involving the Arsenal legends’ side could have affected the players’ travel arrangements.
Njiru also noted that none of the advertised former Arsenal players had publicly promoted the Nairobi match in the weeks leading up to the event.
The uncertainty followed a press conference scheduled for Thursday at 2 pm at Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, which did not take place. Journalists waited for several hours before leaving without receiving an update from the organisers.
Also Read: How to Buy Tickets for Arsenal Legends vs Harambee Stars Legends
AFTV presenters Robbie and Cecil had arrived in Nairobi on Thursday morning. The organisers acknowledged their presence and thanked the UK-based team for travelling to Kenya and supporting the event.
“We recognise and appreciate our UK partners, including the AFTV team, who travelled to Nairobi and have been fully supportive throughout,” the statement added.
The organisers also praised the Harambee Stars legends for their commitment to the fixture.
“A special thank you to the Harambee Stars Legends, our very own Kenyan football heroes, for their commitment, professionalism and enthusiastic support of this event,” they said.
Sports journalist Mike Okinyi had earlier reported at around 9 am on Friday that the match was off as things stood.
“Iko shida kwa Manyatta (There is a problem in the Manyatta). Arsenal Legends are a no-show. Only one player has arrived. As it stands, the Arsenal Legends vs Harambee Stars Legends game is OFF!’ He said.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had also distanced itself from the planning of the event.
The organisers said they would announce a new date once they had reached an agreement with their partners, while asking fans and other stakeholders to remain patient.
They maintained that their aim was to deliver a bigger Legends Cup experience in Nairobi when the match is rescheduled.
Also Read: African Legends Who Belong Among the Greatest Footballers of All Time
Former Arsenal captain Nwankwo Kanu was among the headline attractions announced for the visiting side, with other advertised names including Tony Adams, Robert Pirès, Ashley Cole, Gilberto Silva, Santi Cazorla, Kolo Touré and Walcott.
The Harambee Stars Legends were expected to be led by former captain Victor Wanyama, with Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee named as coach.
The event was also expected to include a grassroots coaching clinic on Saturday, November 14, at Crawford International School
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for in-depth interviews.
