Football fans could get another opportunity to watch some of the sport’s most celebrated former stars compete on the international stage if FIFA adopts a proposal for a World Cup exclusively for retired players.
The initiative, championed by former Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) spokesman Nosike Ogbuenyi, seeks to establish a global competition featuring former internationals between the ages of 40 and 65.
Ogbuenyi, who currently serves as an Assistant Editor at Premium Times, formally presented the proposal to the world football governing body through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) secretariat in Abuja on Thursday.
The proposed tournament would bring together retired players who previously represented their countries at senior international level, offering supporters an opportunity to relive memorable football rivalries.
Among the Nigerian legends identified as potential participants are Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Emmanuel Amunike, Obafemi Martins, Vincent Enyeama and John Obi Mikel.
Ogbuenyi also believes the involvement of globally recognised figures such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba could significantly boost the competition’s international appeal.
Other notable names mentioned include Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Samuel Eto’o and Roberto Carlos.
Beyond entertainment, the journalist argued that the initiative could create fresh economic opportunities for retired footballers while encouraging them to maintain active lifestyles.
He suggested that television broadcasting agreements, corporate sponsorships and commercial partnerships could make the tournament financially attractive to FIFA and participating countries.
The competition could also provide a platform for former stars to share their experience with younger generations and contribute to football development within their respective nations.
Ogbuenyi further suggested that establishing a recognised competition for older players might help discourage age falsification in youth football by extending competitive opportunities beyond conventional retirement.
Under the proposed eligibility requirements, participants must have previously earned senior international appearances and formally retired from international football before joining the tournament.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the initiative, Ogbuenyi explained that the idea first emerged around the time former Super Eagles captain Okocha ended his playing career.
He said renewed discussions surrounding Messi’s retirement encouraged him to revisit the concept and submit it for official consideration.
Ogbuenyi maintained that his motivation was purely his passion for football, rather than any expectation of personal or financial benefit.
He expressed optimism that a dedicated tournament for retired internationals would preserve the connection between legendary players and supporters while introducing another dimension to global football.
Despite the proposal’s potential commercial and sporting appeal, FIFA has neither endorsed the initiative nor announced plans to establish an Over-40 World Cup.
