Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, have confirmed their participation in the forthcoming Nigeria-Poland Football Watch Party, a major sports diplomacy event scheduled to take place at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
While Vice President Shettima will serve as Chairman of the Day, Senator Akume is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the Federal Government’s support for sports development, youth empowerment, and international cooperation.
The event is being organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, in partnership with the Polish Embassy in Abuja. It is aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Poland while promoting youth engagement through sports.
Speaking ahead of the event, Adeboye described the confirmation of both senior government officials as evidence of the importance the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attaches to sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment, and international relations under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the administration views sports as more than entertainment, but as a powerful platform for creating economic opportunities, promoting peace, fostering diplomacy, and strengthening national unity.
He noted that President Tinubu remains committed to policies and programmes that empower young Nigerians, create opportunities for growth, encourage inclusion, and deepen grassroots participation across the country.
Adeboye stated that the President recognises the transformative role sports can play in improving lives, generating employment, building national cohesion, and enhancing Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
The presidential aide also highlighted Vice President Shettima’s longstanding support for youth-focused initiatives and national integration, saying his presence at the event would serve as encouragement to young Nigerians and stakeholders in the sports sector.
He added that the Vice President has consistently championed programmes that promote unity and youth development, making his participation particularly significant for the future of grassroots sports in the country.
Adeboye further commended Senator Akume for his commitment to initiatives that positively impact Nigerian youths and foster national development. He said the SGF’s attendance reflects the collective resolve of the Federal Government to support programmes that use sports as a bridge for diplomacy, cultural exchange, and social engagement.
Describing the watch party as more than a football event, Adeboye said it is designed to promote friendship, cultural understanding, international cooperation, and meaningful engagement among young people.
He stressed that football remains a universal language capable of uniting people regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religious background, adding that the initiative will help strengthen relationships between Nigeria and Poland while creating opportunities for collaboration.
The event is expected to attract a wide range of participants, including government officials, diplomats, sports administrators, football stakeholders, youth leaders, business executives, and members of the international community.
The watch party follows recent engagements between the Office of the SSA on Grassroots Sports Development and the Polish Embassy, which have focused on sports exchange programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, grassroots sports development, and broader bilateral cooperation.
In preparation for the event, the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Michal Cygan, recently inspected the venue and expressed satisfaction with the level of organisation. He described the initiative as an important platform for deepening friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Poland.
Activities for the event will begin with the arrival of guests at 6:45 p.m., while the international friendly match between Nigeria and Poland is scheduled to kick off at 7:45 p.m.
With the participation of Vice President Shettima and Senator Akume now confirmed, anticipation continues to build for what many observers regard as one of Abuja’s most significant sports diplomacy events of the year.
