Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, has reaffirmed the power of sport to unite people across nationalities, cultures and political divides, describing football as a powerful tool for strengthening international friendship and cooperation.
Adeboye made the remarks on Wednesday at the Nigeria–Poland Football Match Viewing Party held at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where government officials, diplomats, sports administrators, former international footballers and other distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the growing ties between both nations.
The event, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development in partnership with the Polish Embassy in Nigeria, was widely hailed as one of the most significant sports diplomacy gatherings in the Federal Capital Territory this year.
The evening combined football, diplomacy, cultural exchange and networking, as guests watched Nigeria and Poland battle to an entertaining 2-2 draw in an international friendly match.
Speaking after the event, Adeboye described the gathering as a resounding success and a practical demonstration of sport’s ability to bring people together regardless of borders, religion, politics or cultural differences.
“Tonight was beyond football. It was about friendship, unity, diplomacy, networking and strengthening relationships through sports,” he said.
“We are happy with the turnout, the atmosphere and the positive energy we witnessed at this event. This is another reminder that sport remains one of the most effective platforms for fostering peace, understanding and cooperation among nations.”
Adeboye added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing youth engagement, grassroots sports development and international partnerships.
The event attracted several high-profile guests, including the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, Engr. Cornelius O. Adebayo; and the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Senator Gbenga Elegbeleye.
Also in attendance were ambassadors from a number of European Union countries, alongside Nigerian football legends such as Victor Ikpeba, Samson Siasia and Waidi Akanni.
The presence of diplomats, sports stakeholders and former players underscored the growing recognition of sport as a vehicle for diplomacy and people-to-people engagement.
Guests commended both the Polish Embassy and the Office of the SSA on Grassroots Sports Development for creating a platform that celebrated not only football but also the enduring values of friendship, mutual respect and international cooperation.
With the success of the watch party, stakeholders expressed optimism that similar initiatives would continue to strengthen bilateral relations while promoting unity and cultural exchange through sport.
