Sports have an enduring ability to serve as a bridge between diverse religions, cultures, and ethnicities. This unifying power was recently showcased during the Hayin Banki Peace and Unity Football Competition 2025, an initiative sponsored by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria. By leveraging the universal language of football, the tournament successfully fostered social cohesion and reinforced a sense of shared humanity in a region often marked by division.
Hayin Banki Peace and Unity Football Competition
The three-month tournament concluded on December 27, 2025, at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Kaduna, where Hayin Banki United secured a 1-0 victory over Kubarachi Football Club in the Grand Final Match. While the trophy went to one team, the broader victory went to the community.
The competition involved 18 football teams, 26 matches, and the active engagement of hundreds of youths, as well as the support of thousands of spectators, including young people, families, community leaders, and elders who enthusiastically attended the matches and cheered on their favorite teams. It fostered an overwhelming sense of peace, unity, and social cohesion among the many participants and spectators, as teamwork, fair play, discipline, and peaceful coexistence were at the forefront. This approach helped overcome potential conflict caused by perceived differences.
GPF Nigeria Country Director Reverend John Joseph Hayab praised the Hayin Banki community for their ongoing investment in peace and unity over the years, particularly their two-year engagement with the organization in capacity-building and social cohesion. GPF’s vision of “One Family Under God,” built on a foundation of our shared humanity, was reinforced throughout the competition as participants and spectators engaged in trust-building, collaboration, and shared responsibility across religions, cultures, and social backgrounds.
Football players hold One Family Under God signs to promote peace through sports.
Community leaders, youth organizers, and persons with disabilities expressed their appreciation of GPF for sponsoring the competition while highlighting its success and positive outcomes. Ibrahim Mato Bonet, secretary of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, commented, “The tournament clearly shows the spirit of unity in Hayin Banki and neighboring communities. Our youths demonstrated discipline, cooperation, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. We are grateful to the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria for being the sole sponsor and for supporting initiatives that promote lasting peace and cohesion in our community.”
Additionally, Christ Deference, leader of Persons with Disabilities, Hayin Banki, stated, “This tournament has been an eye-opening experience for our community. Seeing Muslims freely come to the Seminary for the final match shows the understanding and trust that has been built. We are very grateful to the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria for sponsoring this event, which has helped create new friendships and strengthened interfaith relations in Hayin Banki.”
The success of the 2025 competition demonstrates that community-led sporting events are more than just games; they are effective tools for social change. By focusing on shared goals and the joy of competition, sports offer a unique landscape for unifying youth, families, and communities in the pursuit of lasting peace. GPF Nigeria will continue to partner with others to engage the community in sports activities that improve relationships, foster trust, and strengthen interfaith cooperation.
