The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria brought the FIFA World Cup spirit to Abuja at the weekend, staging the Abuja Diplomatic Soccer Tournament as part of activities marking Canada’s role as co-host of the ongoing tournament alongside the United States and Mexico.
Held at Monoliza Amusement Park in Area 11, Garki, the one-day football festival brought together members of the diplomatic community, civil society organisations, government officials and football lovers in a celebration of sport, friendship and international cooperation.
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Eight countries—Canada, the United States, Colombia, England, Nigeria, Japan, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire—featured in the tournament, reflecting football’s unique ability to unite people from different backgrounds through healthy competition.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Head of the Political Section of the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria, Omar Al-Hassi, said the tournament was conceived to celebrate the FIFA World Cup while strengthening relationships among members of the diplomatic community and civil society.
“We’re having a soccer tournament in celebration of Canada hosting the senior men’s FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and the USA. We felt it was important to bring together members of the diplomatic community and civil society to celebrate the World Cup spirit and use sport as a vehicle to connect people,” Al-Hassi said.
He explained that sport remains one of the most effective ways of building lasting relationships beyond official diplomatic engagements.
Inclusion also formed a major part of the day’s activities, with a Para Soccer novelty match showcasing the High Commission’s commitment to equal participation in sport.
> “We are here to celebrate everyone. Sport is about inclusion and togetherness. That is why we invited the para soccer team to participate, because football belongs to everyone, and para soccer perfectly embodies that spirit,” he added.
Representing Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, Mrs. Mariam Motunrayo Akande described the competition as a reminder of football’s power to connect people beyond borders.
“Today is about much more than football. It is about the values football represents—friendship, mutual respect and the extraordinary power of sport to connect people. As the world looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, events like this remind us that football remains a universal language of hope, goodwill and shared humanity,” she said.
Akande also reaffirmed the National Sports Commission’s commitment to inclusive sports development under its Reset, Refocus and Relaunch (RRR) agenda, while applauding the participation of para-athletes.
“While Nigeria will not be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we proudly celebrate our African brothers and sisters who qualified. Their achievements are a source of continental pride and a reminder of the urgent need to invest more in sports development at home. Today’s Para Soccer exhibition sends a clear message that disability is not inability. With the right support and opportunities, persons with disabilities can compete, excel and inspire,” she said.
The Abuja Diplomatic Soccer Tournament was organised by the Political and Public Affairs Section of the Canadian High Commission and served as a celebration of football’s enduring role in promoting diplomacy, diversity, inclusion and peaceful coexistence among nations.
