Rimpyen Danjuma Yohana, GPF Nigeria’s Youth and Education Development Officer, representing Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the Country Director.
The cheers, chants, and shared excitement of a football match often transcend boundaries of language, ethnicity, or faith. This spirit of togetherness came alive at the Independence Under-19 Unity Football Cup Final, organized by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria in partnership with the Inter-Sports Promoters Association (ISPA). The event celebrating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day demonstrated how sports can unite people in the spirit of shared identity and national harmony.
Held at the National Stadium in Abuja, the tournament drew hundreds of participants and spectators from across the country. In his remarks, GPF Nigeria’s youth and education development officer, Rimpyen Danjuma Yohana, who represented GPF Country Director Reverand John Joseph Hayab, emphasized that sports can do more than entertain. “Sport is more than just a game but an avenue for building unity across boundaries of tribe, religion, and background,” he said. He reminded the young players that through teamwork and discipline, they were helping to build a stronger and more united nation.
Official presentation of the trophy to the captain of team Imo state, winners of the maiden edition of the Independence Unity Cup 2025.
The message of unity was echoed by Rear Admiral S. H. Abdullahi, representing the chief of defense staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who described football as one of the strongest unifying forces in the country. He noted that on the field of play, differences fade and a shared identity as Nigerians takes center stage. He encouraged the youth to uphold values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, not only in sports but also in life, as these are essential for leadership and nation-building.
The Independence Unity Cup event uniquely blended sportsmanship with peacebuilding. Interfaith collaboration, family participation, and volunteerism were showcased as key pillars of unity. Parents and children filled the stands, cheering side by side, while volunteers ensured smooth coordination, displaying service and hospitality. The event became a living example of how shared values can bridge divides and inspire a culture of peace.
Participants shared heartfelt reflections on the experience. Alhaji Salim Abubakar Bayero expressed joy at seeing young people promoting unity through sports, calling for more partnerships to expand the tournament. Kebbi team captain Mohammed Rabiu spoke of how the event helped players “see beyond differences and focus on a shared future,” while spectator Ejike Godswill noted that it reminded him of the golden days of national football that united Nigerians across regions.
Captains of the two teams joyfully pose with the trophy; a true display of sportsmanship underscoring the purpose of the tournament
The impact went beyond the field. The event encouraged greater public appreciation of sports as a tool for peacebuilding, strengthened inter-community relations, and nurtured a sense of pride in the nation’s diversity. For many, it reaffirmed that peace and unity are values that can be lived and experienced through everyday acts of teamwork and service.
GPF Nigeria plans to make the Independence Cup an annual peace-centered sports festival, expanding participation to more states and grassroots communities. The goal is to deepen youth engagement, foster civic virtue, and build bridges of understanding across the country. Through this initiative, GPF Nigeria continues to show that when young people play, serve, and dream together, they embody the true essence of One Family under God; diverse yet united, strong in purpose and hopeful for a peaceful future.
Learn more: Nigeria | Global Peace Foundation
