The second edition of the Greater Together Peace and Unity Football Competition came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the Mangu Mini Stadium, following a keenly contested final between Spiders FC and Timber Stars FC.
After regulation time ended in a goalless draw, Timber Stars FC emerged champions, defeating Spiders FC 4–3 on penalties to clinch the title and the first-place prize of ₦1 million. Spiders FC finished as runners-up and received ₦700,000, while Na’atika Lynx FC secured third place with a cash prize of ₦500,000. Individual awards were also presented for Outstanding Player of the Tournament, Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Behaved Team, among others.
The tournament, which featured 24 teams drawn from the 20 wards of Mangu Local Government Area, attracted thousands of spectators to the final and recorded a peaceful and incident-free competition throughout its duration.
The competition was jointly organized by Hon. Nuhu Yakwen, Deputy Chairman of Mangu LGA; Hon. Engr. Mangna Yusuf Wamyil of the Jos Main Market Authority; Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan, Programme Manager, Plateau State Malaria Elimination Programme; Hon. Sam Shwarta, Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State; and entrepreneur Hon. Wilson Simon.
Speaking at the event, the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, described the tournament as a brilliant initiative that aligns with the state government’s vision for youth development and social cohesion. He noted that over 700 youths participated in a healthy and competitive environment, emphasizing that such initiatives promote unity, peace, and collaboration beyond government efforts.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Ephraim Usman, said the tournament demonstrated the return of peace to Mangu LGA, which had previously experienced security challenges. He highlighted the unifying power of football, noting the participation of youths from different religious, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds, and stressed the potential of such platforms to discover talents that could represent Plateau State and Nigeria at higher levels.
Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan, also known as Kizito, explained that the initiative was inspired by the vision of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to engage and positively channel youth energy. He noted that the competition not only United communities but also helped steer youths away from social vices, as no negative incidents were recorded throughout the tournament.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Drug and Medical Commodities Management Agency, Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, commended the organizers, describing the tournament as a noble initiative capable of driving peace, unity, and development in line with the governor’s people-oriented agenda. Also speaking, the General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Arch. Hart Bankat, emphasized the importance of keeping youths gainfully engaged during festive periods and described sports as a key avenue for talent discovery.
Earlier, Hon. Mangna Yusuf Wamyil said the essence of the tournament was to foster peace and unity in Mangu LGA, which has experienced sectarian and religious crises in the past. He expressed satisfaction with the success of the second edition and noted that scouts and top government officials were present to identify promising talents for future opportunities.
The final match and award ceremony were witnessed by several dignitaries, government officials, community leaders, and football enthusiasts, as the packed Mangu Mini Stadium reflected renewed unity and enthusiasm for sports in the area.
