SOCCER AS A CATALYST FOR PEACEBUILDING IN JOS METROPOLIS, 2001-2022

Abstract

Traditionally, peacebuilding studies have predominantly focused on conventional conflict management strategies, such as governmental use of force, the imposition of curfews, and the establishment of commissions of inquiry. In addition, mediation conducted by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) often failed to bring conflict resolution to a definitive end. This study argued that contemporary peacebuilding approaches, particularly the utilization of soccer, served as catalysts for fostering peace in the Jos metropolis. The research examined the role of soccer clubs in initiating and executing peacebuilding initiatives in Jos, 2001–2022, and analyzed the profiles of key individuals who promoted soccer for peacebuilding during this period. This study adopted a historical research methodology, and data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources consulted were club records, photographs, diaries, and official reports. Interviews were conducted with club officials, executives of the Plateau Soccer Association (PFA), coaches, former players, stakeholders, spectators, and fans in the study area. The secondary sources encompassed both published and unpublished books, monographs, and journal articles. The findings revealed that soccer played a pivotal role in peacebuilding within Jos metropolis. As a universal language, soccer has the unique ability to unite individuals regardless of ethnic or religious background. Moreover, the study found that government officials, soccer clubs, NGOs, and private individuals organized numerous soccer matches that successfully brought together both Christian and Muslim communities. For instance, the Salama Football Tournament, launched in 2016 by the Bege Foundation, has been instrumental in promoting unity among Jos youth. Similarly, the organization Face of Peace Global uses football to champion peace, adopting the mantra that ‘football plus music equals peace’