BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, OCTOBER 18, 2026/ 06:50PM

The Borno State Progressive Unity Cup has kicked off in Maiduguri with 64 teams from across Jere and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC).

The tournament, described as the first of its kind, was flagged off on Sunday evening at the El-Kanemi Warriors Sports Complex, Maiduguri, by the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.

The opening match played between Jere FC and MMC FC ended 1-0 in favour of Jere FC.

The competition is organised by the Borno State Government through the ministry of youth, sports and poverty alleviation as part of its efforts to engage youths and promote peace.

Chairman of the organising committee, Alhaji Babagana Kalli Ozogla, said the cup was deliberately initiated to foster unity among young people and steer them away from social vices.

'We understand that football is one of the ways to bring youths together and promote unity among them. We will engage them with football so that they cannot fall into social vices,' Ozogla said.

He mentioned drug abuse, gangsterism and stealing as some of the vices the tournament seeks to curb.

According to him, the championship is also evidence that peace has returned to Borno and provides a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and pursue careers in football.

The flag-off ceremony was graced by the gubernatorial candidate of All Progressive Congress, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, members of the state house of assembly, commissioners, local government council chairmen, advisers and other political leaders.

Also in attendance were football clubs and associations, fans and supporters.

Ozogla expressed appreciation to Gov. Zulum for personally flagging off the tournament.

'I specifically thank the state governor for coming to officially kick-start the competition and it is a testimony that his government is for all of us,' he said.

He also thanked the ministry of youth, sports and poverty alleviation for its support for the tournament and football development in the state.