The 2025 Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Unity Football Tournament commenced on Sunday in Bauchi, featuring teams from six North-East states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the tournament aims to promote peace, unity, and youth empowerment across the region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Abubakar Fakai, Chairman of the tournament, said the event forms part of the ACF’s 25th anniversary celebrations. He added that the competition provides a platform for talented young players from the 19 northern states to showcase their skills and gain wider recognition.
“We urge participating teams to display discipline, sportsmanship, and unity, serving as good ambassadors of their states throughout the tournament,” Fakai said.
He revealed that following the North-East leg in Bauchi, the ACF Unity Cup will move to the North-Central zone, while Kebbi State has already claimed the North-West title. Winners from each zone will later compete in Kaduna for the grand finale.
Also speaking, Alhaji Sherif Banki, a member of the organising committee, urged players and officials to build friendships beyond the competition. He highlighted football’s power to unite people regardless of background, culture, or religion, and reaffirmed the ACF’s commitment to peace, harmony, and regional development.
In the opening matches, host Bauchi State defeated Taraba 2–1, while Gombe edged Borno by the same scoreline. Games will continue on Monday and Tuesday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
This year’s tournament carries the theme: “Promoting Unity, Peace, and Youth Empowerment through Sports.”
