Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Motherland Heritage Cup 2026 — where the continent of Africa meets the global African diaspora through football, music, and a shared celebration of heritage.
Saturday, 8 August 2026
Global Legends Charity Match, Trophy Unveil & Motherland Gala Night (Lagos)
6 – 15 November 2026
Elite international match play between 8 nations held across our four host cities.
About the Cup
What is the Motherland Heritage Cup?
The Motherland Heritage Cup (MHC) is a pan-African football and cultural festival that unites the continent of Africa with the global African diaspora in a national-team tournament. Built around the theme Homecoming of Football & Culture, it pairs elite international football with Afrobeats, heritage and a celebration of the identity shared across the African world.
What is the idea behind it?
The Cup is a homecoming. For generations, African heritage has travelled across the world through history, migration and culture. The Motherland Heritage Cup reunites that story on the pitch — African nations meeting nations of the diaspora — while celebrating the music, art and enterprise that connect them.
Who organises the Motherland Heritage Cup?
The tournament is convened by Motherland Cup Africa Limited (MCAL), led by Founder/CEO Oluwatobi Johnson Fakayode and Co-Convener and Chief Strategy Officer James "Jim Iyke" Esomugha.
Who are the patrons and ambassadors?
The Cup is held under distinguished patronage:
- Grand Patron — H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
- Life Patron — Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, OON, MON
- Patron — Senator Godswill Akpabio, CGON
Nigerian football icon Daniel Amokachi serves as Official Brand Ambassador, with Larry Gaaga (Gamma Africa) as the Cup's Culture & Entertainment Partner.
Dates & Venues
When does the Motherland Heritage Cup take place?
Two main timelines anchor the 2026 edition:
- Saturday, 8 August 2026 — Global Legends Charity Match, Trophy Unveil and Motherland Gala Night.
- 6 – 15 November 2026 — The Main Tournament.
Where is it being held?
Across Nigeria, with Lagos State as Chief Host, supported by Abuja (FCT), Kano State, and Akwa Ibom State (Uyo).
How does the tournament work?
The tournament pits national teams representing Africa against teams from the African Diaspora. The group and knockout fixtures will be published in detail as the November kick-off approaches. The tournament operates as an annual flagship sports event.
The August Weekend
What is the Global Legends Charity Match?
On 8 August 2026, some of the most celebrated names in African and diaspora football reunite for an exhibition match in Lagos — a tribute to the game's heritage and a fundraiser for the Motherland Foundation. The day also hosts the official unveiling of the Motherland Heritage Cup trophy.
What is the Motherland Gala Night?
Held on the evening of 8 August, Victoria Island, the Gala Night is the Cup's flagship celebration — bringing together football legends, cultural icons, partners and dignitaries for an evening of recognition, music and announcements.
Where do the charity proceeds go?
A share of the net proceeds from the Legends Charity Match is ring-fenced for the Motherland Foundation, the Cup's separately governed charitable arm, which supports community, youth and grassroots development across the African world.
Culture & Entertainment
Is the Motherland Heritage Cup only about football?
No — football is the stage, but culture is the soul. Alongside the matches, the Cup features Afrobeats performances, cultural showcases and a content and music programme, including the Motherland Afrobeats project and a Legends documentary series, celebrating the creativity that unites Africa and its diaspora.
Who leads the cultural programme?
Larry Gaaga, through Gamma Africa, serves as the Cup's Culture & Entertainment Partner, curating the music and entertainment experience across the tournament.
Tickets & Attending
How can I attend?
Ticketing and hospitality information for both the August weekend and the November tournament will be released here on the official website and across the Cup's official channels. To register your interest, write to info@motherlandcup.africa.
I'm in the diaspora — can I travel for the tournament?
Yes. Welcoming the diaspora home is central to the Cup's purpose. We have a dedicated travel and homecoming section on our Diaspora Homecoming page. Custom travel, flight partnerships, visa support, and hospitality packages are currently featured there.
Partnerships & Investment
How can my brand partner with or sponsor the Cup?
The Motherland Heritage Cup offers a range of partnership and sponsorship opportunities across football, culture, broadcast and enterprise. To explore a partnership, contact the team at partners@motherlandcup.africa.
Are there business and investment opportunities?
Yes. The Cup includes dedicated B2B platforms — an SME Trade Fair and a Pan-African Investment Expo — connecting African and diaspora enterprise, alongside a growing portfolio of commercial activations. Enquiries can be directed to partners@motherlandcup.africa.
Stay Connected
How can I get involved or volunteer?
Opportunities to volunteer and take part will be announced on this website and the Cup's official channels. Express your interest at info@motherlandcup.africa.
Where can I find official news and updates?
Our official website is motherlandcup.africa. You can follow our official social handles: Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube for immediate, verified updates.
How do I contact the organisers?
General Enquiries: info@motherlandcup.africa
Partnerships & Media: partners@motherlandcup.africa
Phone: +234 909 886 8349 or +234 806 593 8788
Still Have Questions?
Our communications and partnerships team is always available to help you. Reach out directly.