The AFCON Diaspora Tour made a vibrant and successful debut in London, drawing an impressive gathering of African football icons and cultural stars, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The opening event for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 brought together former Cameroon and Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, Nigeria international Alex Iwobi, Ghanaian music star Stonebwoy, Nigerian artist Odumodublvck, and former Arsenal Vice-Chairman David Dein, all lending weight to the Tour’s global spotlight on African football.
Held in the bustling heart of Piccadilly Circus, the London stop marks the beginning of a two-city Tour that continues in Paris next week. The Paris events will take place on December 3 and 4, with the original AFCON trophy on display at Palais de Tokyo, Yoyo during the opening ceremony, before it returns to Morocco for the start of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 Trophy Tour.
The London leg resumes today, Friday, with a public fan event at Piccadilly Circus from 3pm (GMT), offering supporters the chance to meet the legends and view the iconic trophy.
David Dein described the moment as an exciting “new era” for African football, emphasising that the upcoming AFCON in Morocco will further showcase the passion and global appeal of the game. He said the success of the London event reflects the growing international appreciation for African football.
Alex Song shared similar sentiments, expressing joy at seeing a diverse London crowd celebrating the sport. He noted that such worldwide recognition was rare during his playing years and highlighted how African football is now being showcased to global audiences in new and meaningful ways.
Stonebwoy delivered a standout performance on Thursday night before an audience of international media, sponsors and CAF partners, while Odumodublvck added further cultural depth to the occasion. Their appearances underscored the strong creative influence of the African diaspora within the Tour.
Together, the events celebrate the enduring connection between African football and its global supporters, honouring the legends who have shaped the game and the continent whose spirit continues to inspire fans around the world.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye