A retired Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Yakubu Agabi Mailafiya has recounted how football helped restore peace in a Nasarawa community previously troubled by communal crisis, as the Mailafia Peace and Unity Football Tournament marks its 10th anniversary.

Mailafiya, the founder of the tournament, said on Sunday that the competition was established a decade ago in Daddare, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, to redirect the energies of young people away from conflict and engage them in productive sporting activities.

The 10th edition of the tournament kicked off in Daddare with 32 teams drawn from Nasarawa South and Nasarawa North Senatorial Districts competing for the coveted trophy.

Defending champions Matawalle FC of Doma began their title defence on a winning note, defeating Buwama FC 1-0 after a goalless first half.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mailafiya said his experience as a police officer exposed him to the role young people played in communal conflicts, prompting him to use football as a tool for peacebuilding.

“Ten years ago, peace eluded us in this area due to crisis. This tournament started and helped us restore peace. As a police officer at the time, I knew young people were often involved in these conflicts. I used this opportunity to show them that they could channel their energy into something positive and stay out of trouble,” he said.

The retired police officer said the competition had also created opportunities for young footballers to advance their careers, with some participants progressing to bigger clubs and others securing opportunities to play abroad.

“Many participants have gone on to play for bigger teams, with some even playing abroad. The state government has sent a seven-member scouting team to select players for their feeder team. If you do your best, the sky is the limit,” he added.

The involvement of the state government’s scouting team is expected to provide participating players with an opportunity to showcase their abilities and attract attention from talent scouts.

The member representing Obi I Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Dr Peter Akwe commended Mailafiya for sustaining the competition and called for improved sports infrastructure to support grassroots football development.

“Looking at this crowd, there is a clear need for a mini-stadium in this area to support local football. Beyond infrastructure, we need legislation that ensures the state continuously benefits from such talents,” Akwe said.

He described the tournament as an important initiative for promoting unity and urged stakeholders to support its continued growth.

Similarly, the Sangarin Daddare, Abubakar Sa’id, speaking on behalf of the traditional institution, commended Mailafiya for investing in youth development through sports.

He said the initiative had yielded positive results and reaffirmed the traditional council’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in the state and the country.

Chairman of the organising committee Muhammad Musa Dan-Azumi said the tournament had expanded significantly since its inception, growing from a competition involving the immediate community to one attracting teams from across Nasarawa State.

“The competition has achieved its primary aim. We started locally within the immediate community, but today it covers almost the entire state. Our hope is to expand across all zones. The founder understands the value of peace and remains committed to the tournament’s success,” Dan-Azumi said.

Sun reports that the 10th edition features 32 teams, with financial incentives provided to participating clubs at different stages of the competition.

The tournament is expected to run for three months, culminating in the final scheduled for December 26, Boxing Day. (The Sun)