The much-anticipated Arsenal Legends versus Harambee Stars Legends exhibition match in Nairobi has been postponed after several advertised former Arsenal players failed to travel to Kenya, leaving organisers unable to deliver the event as planned.
In a statement released on Friday, November 13, 2026, the organisers apologised to fans, sponsors and other stakeholders, explaining that the absence of several expected players affected their ability to stage the match at the promised standard.
The fixture was scheduled to take place at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday evening, with kick-off set for 7pm.
However, organisers insisted that the event had not been cancelled permanently, promising to work with their partners to arrange another 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,” the statement read.
Arsenal Legends Match: Organisers Promise Full Ticket Refunds
The postponement also raised questions about the money spent by supporters who had purchased tickets and made arrangements to attend the highly publicised exhibition.
Addressing the concerns, organisers confirmed that everyone who had bought a ticket would receive a full refund.
“ALL TICKETS SHALL BE REFUNDED,” the statement declared.
However, the organisers did not explain how the refunds would be processed or provide a specific date when supporters could expect their money.
The announcement followed reports by Kenyan sports journalists that most members of the visiting Arsenal delegation had failed to arrive in Nairobi.
According to earlier reports by Pulse, former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué was among the few visiting players who had arrived by Friday morning.
The organisers subsequently acknowledged that the absence of several advertised players had made it impossible to deliver the match as promoted.
Organisers Thank Victor Wanyama’s Harambee Stars Legends and UK Partners
Despite the setback, the organisers recognised the commitment shown by the former Harambee Stars players who had prepared for the exhibition.
They thanked the Kenyan legends for their willingness to participate, while also appreciating their UK partners, particularly the AFTV team.
AFTV presenters Robbie and Cecil had travelled to Nairobi ahead of the event.
The organisers praised both groups for their professionalism and support despite the unexpected postponement.
Kanu, Walcott and Pirès Were Among Arsenal Legends Advertised for the Match
The exhibition had attracted attention because of the high-profile former Arsenal players expected to face Kenya’s football greats.
The advertised visiting contingent included Nwankwo Kanu, Theo Walcott, Bacary Sagna, Gervinho, Alex Song, Robert Pirès and Emmanuel Eboué.
On the Kenyan side, former captain Victor Wanyama was expected to lead a team featuring McDonald Mariga, Dennis Oliech, Musa Otieno, Allan Wanga and other former Harambee Stars internationals.
Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee had been named as the team’s coach.
The match was also part of a wider Legends Weekender programme, which included a planned grassroots football coaching clinic at Crawford International School on Saturday, November 14.
The clinic was expected to bring former football stars closer to young aspiring players. Further details about whether the activity would proceed were not provided in the postponement statement.
When Will Arsenal Legends vs Harambee Stars Match Be Played?
Kenyan football fans will now have to wait for organisers to announce a new date for the exhibition.
Although the organisers maintained that the event would eventually take place, they did not provide a specific timeline for confirming the replacement fixture.
They said they remained committed to delivering a bigger and more memorable Legends experience in Nairobi.
For now, supporters have been promised full ticket refunds, while the much-anticipated meeting between the former Arsenal stars and Harambee Stars greats remains on hold.
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