Rasheeda Yahaya
By Ahmed Ahmed
The 2025 edition of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Unity Football Tournament has officially kicked off in Bauchi, with six states from the North-East region participating in the regional event aimed at promoting peace, unity, and youth empowerment through sports.
The North East States include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the tournament, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Fakai, said the competition is part of activities marking the 25th anniversary celebration of the Arewa Consultative Forum.
He noted that the initiative provides a platform for talented young players from the 19 northern states to showcase their skills and gain wider recognition.
Dr. Fakai urged participating teams to display discipline, sportsmanship, and unity, serving as good ambassadors of their respective states throughout the tournament.
He further disclosed that after the North-East leg in Bauchi, the ACF Unity Cup train will move to the North-Central zone, while Kebbi State has already emerged champion of the North-West edition.
According to him, winners from each geopolitical zone will later converge in Kaduna for the grand finale to determine the overall champion of the annual tournament.
Also speaking, a member of the organizing committee, Alhaji Sherif Banki, encouraged players and officials to build friendships beyond the competition, emphasizing that football has the unique power to unite people regardless of background, culture, or religion.
He reaffirmed that the Arewa Consultative Forum remains a strong advocate for peace, harmony, and regional development across Northern Nigeria.
In the opening matches, host Bauchi State defeated Taraba 2–1, while Gombe edged Borno by the same margin. The games continue on Monday and Tuesday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
This year’s tournament is themed: “Promoting Unity, Peace, and Youth Empowerment Through Sports.”
