On Friday evening, Feb. 14, 2026, a colorful gathering in Mogadishu brought together the “Somali Football Family” to celebrate growing momentum in the nation’s football scene.
Fans, government ministers, parliamentarians, business leaders, club presidents and members of the women’s national team, the Ocean Queens, filled the venue with cheer and pride as they honored Somali Football Federation (SFF) president Ali Abdi Mohamed.
The event, themed “THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT,” highlighted the federation’s recent strides, especially the launch of Somalia’s first women’s national team and a fledgling women’s league that have begun to reshape the sport’s cultural landscape.
Celebration unites football community
Attendees mingled under banners celebrating unity, while SFF officials and the deputy minister of sport, Dahabo Suusow Mohamed, posed for photos that captured the night’s festive spirit.
President Mohamed thanked the crowd, saying, “I thank the football family members for organizing this amazing event. Such a gathering shows the unity and love Somali people have for football. I am proud to have all of you standing by us, as we jointly work towards a brighter future for Somali football.”
Women’s football takes center stage
The night also honored the Ocean Queens, Somalia’s inaugural women’s national squad and Ibtisam Yasin, head of the federation’s women’s football department. The players arrived in vibrant abayas and hijabs, underscoring the blend of cultural tradition and athletic ambition.
Organizers highlighted the significance of promoting women’s football in a country where the sport was once deemed taboo. The effort has already produced a national women’s league, a first for Somalia.
“I am highly proud of the progress we have made so far. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support and encouragement from the football community and our partners,” Mohamed told the assembled guests.
For more on the Ocean Queens’ upcoming international campaign, see the feature on their historic tournament preparation.
Regional leadership recognised
In addition to domestic accolades, the gathering celebrated Mohamed’s recent election as senior vice‑president of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA). The role positions Somalia’s football administration at the heart of regional decision‑making.
Mohamed’s biography on the official SFF website confirms his long‑standing involvement with the federation, noting his election to the executive committee in 2010 and his senior vice‑presidency of the federation from 2019‑2022. The SFF site details his career trajectory.
Looking ahead
With the women’s league now operational and the Ocean Queens preparing for their first international tournament, the federation’s agenda includes expanding youth development programs and securing further FIFA assistance for coaching and referee courses.
Stakeholders will watch for the next SFF council meeting, scheduled for later this spring, where budget allocations for the women’s league and upcoming regional competitions are expected to be discussed.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on Somalia’s football renaissance and follow official updates from the Somali Football Federation. Your comments assist keep the conversation moving forward.
