…As 32 Teams Battle in Football, Basketball, and Volleyball
Joel Ajayi
Abuja will this weekend host a historic sporting spectacle as the maiden Kingdom Unity Games Abuja (KUGA) 2025 kicks off on Saturday, September 6, at 3:00 PM inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The week-long event, running from September 6–13, is a faith-based sports initiative designed to promote peace, unity, and youth development across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states.
A host of dignitaries are expected at the opening ceremony, led by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who will serve as Guest of Honour.
Also expected are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, among several others.
Speaking at a pre-event press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Convener, Ambassador Solomon Omonokhua, underscored the transformative vision behind the initiative.
“Although rooted in the Christian community, KUGA is open to all—Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths. It is a platform for building national unity, fostering peace, and constructively engaging our youth through sports,” he said.
Ambassador Omonokhua explained that the Games seek to discover and mentor young athletes, create academic and career opportunities, and reduce insecurity by productively engaging young people.
“This event is designed to pull youths off the streets, nurture their talents, and provide platforms for growth—not just for their families, but for society as a whole.
“Sports is a powerful tool for breaking barriers of religion, tribe, and social class. It unites, heals, and empowers. What we are building is more than just a tournament—it’s a movement,” Omonokhua affirmed.
The 2025 edition will feature three major sporting categories: Football: 24 male teams drawn from church es representing five major Christian blocs; Basketball: 16 male and female teams and Volleyball: 16 male and female teams
In total, 32 teams will compete for cash prizes, medals, and branded kits, with additional surprise packages to be unveiled at the closing ceremony.
While KUGA 2025 is currently FCT-based, the long-term goal is to scale it into a full national event by 2026, with participation from all states across Nigeria. The FCT serves as a testbed for nationwide implementation.
