UPF Nigeria Celebrates UN World Football Day with Call for Peace through Sport

Written by UPF-Africa
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Abuja, Nigeria — To mark the first official UN World Football Day, UPF Nigeria convened a special event at the Peace Embassy in Abuja, focusing on the power of football to build peace, unity, and shared identity across all sectors of society.

The gathering began with an opening prayer, followed by warm remarks from Dr. George Ikpot, Secretary General of UPF Nigeria. He welcomed Ambassadors for Peace in attendance and led the day’s proceedings. A brief video presentation introduced the background and global significance of World Football Day.

Presentation of the UN Resolution

Ambassador Aliyu Idris introduced the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/281, adopted on May 7, 2024, which officially designates May 25 as World Football Day. The resolution highlights football’s vital role in fostering peace, development, mutual understanding, and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UPF Africa Statement: Football as a Symbol of Unity

Rev. Imo Nkanta presented a powerful interpretation of the UPF Africa Statement, aligning with the UN initiative. The statement explored football as a metaphor for humanity’s shared journey:

• The Feet: Grounding us in humility, cooperation, and mutual respect — unlike the hands, which symbolize possession.
• The Round Ball: A symbol of Earth’s unity, equality, and our continuous collective pursuit of peace.

He emphasized the connection between football and peacebuilding, referencing UPF’s “Play Soccer, Make Peace” campaign, and invited youth, educators, leaders, and professional athletes to join in promoting a culture of peace through sports.

The Founders’ Vision – “Play Soccer, Make Peace!”

Dr. George Ikpot delivered a keynote on the vision of UPF Founders, recalling the 2007 International Peace Sports Festival and the creation of the Sun Moon Soccer Foundation. He highlighted historic examples where football played a peacemaking role: The WWI Christmas Truce, Pelé’s influence during the Biafran conflict, Joint World Cup hosting by nations once in conflict.

He noted the alignment between UPF’s values and those upheld by sports: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and resilience.

Interactive Session and Way Forward

The event concluded with a lively discussion. Participants expressed enthusiasm for football as a tool to heal divisions, engage youth, and strengthen community bonds. Several shared personal insights suggest grassroots initiatives to incorporate football into UPF’s ongoing peace education efforts.

UPF Nigeria affirms its commitment to working with local and international partners to implement “Play Soccer, Make Peace” programs across communities, helping shape a world where every game is a step toward peace.