ANSOBAFC Unveiled to Reconnect Old Boys, Promote Unity Through Football
A new national association, the All Nigeria Secondary Schools Old Boys Association Football Competition (ANSOBAFC), has been established to reconnect former secondary school students across the country and promote national unity, peace and development through sports.
The founder of the association, Ogbuefi Chukwudile Okoye, said ANSOBAFC was conceived as a platform to bring old boys of secondary schools together, foster cooperation and collaboration, and strengthen relationships among Nigerians through the unifying power of football.
Okoye noted that many people look back on their secondary school days with excitement and nostalgia, often cherishing memories of friendships, shared experiences and youthful adventures.
He said the desire to reconnect with former classmates and schoolmates presents an opportunity to build enduring relationships and promote a stronger sense of community.
Highlighting the importance of sports, particularly football, to human development and society, the ANSOBAFC founder said sporting activities offer enormous benefits beyond physical fitness, including teamwork, discipline, leadership, mutual respect and social integration.
According to him, football remains one of the most powerful tools for bringing people together, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, social status or cultural differences.
“Football is a language that cuts across all tribes, creeds and colours. It creates a unique opportunity for people from different backgrounds to interact, build friendships and work towards common goals.
“We believe that through this initiative, we can harness the enormous power of sports to promote national peace, cooperation, development and social cohesion.
Nigeria needs more platforms that bring people together, and ANSOBAFC is designed to contribute to that objective,” he said.
As part of its pioneer programme, the association has called on old boys’ associations of secondary schools across the country to register for participation in its forthcoming national football competition and other accompanying activities.
Participation in the competition is open to former students aged 40 years and above, with the initiative expected to provide an avenue for former schoolmates to reconnect, rekindle old friendships and celebrate their shared heritage through sporting activities.
The association announced that registration would commence on November 11, 2026, and close on January 10, 2027.
The competition will begin at the Local Government Area level from February 1 to 15, 2027, followed by state finals scheduled for March 1 to 8, 2027.
Successful teams will proceed to the regional qualification stage, billed for March 15 to 22, 2027, ahead of the grand finale, which will be hosted by Lagos State.
Beyond the football competition, ANSOBAFC is expected to organise other activities aimed at strengthening bonds among participating old boys’ associations and creating opportunities for networking, partnerships and broader national engagement.
The initiative is expected to attract participation from secondary school alumni groups nationwide, bringing together Nigerians across generations and geographical boundaries in the spirit of friendship, sportsmanship and national unity.
