We are delighted to present the third-place entry from this year’s KAF International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) essay competition, submitted by Orukotan Olorunmonumi from Oladipo Alayande School of Science. In this thought-provoking essay, Olorunmonumi explores the theme of how sports, particularly football, can play a powerful role in fostering peace, unity, and acceptance in Nigeria’s diverse society. Through the example of the recent Africa Cup of Nations tournament, Olorunmonumi captures the magic of football and its ability to break down barriers, spark inspiration, and bring people together despite differences. We commend Olorunmonumi for his insightful perspective and commendable achievement in this year’s competition.
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School: Oladipo Alayande School of Science.
Name: Orukotan Olorunmonumi
3rd Position, KAF IDSDP 2024
Question Topic: Using the recent Africa Cup of Nations football tournament as an example, discuss how sports can help bring peace, togetherness, and acceptance in diverse places like Nigeria.
HOW SPORTS HELPS BRING PEACE, TOGETHERNESS, AND ACCEPTANCE IN OUR SOCIETY
In our society today, there exist various forms of conflicts sprouting out amongst us, causing a severe deficit in the development of our economy. As a result of this we need ways in which we can improve the relationship that exists between us as citizens of our country, and one sure way to ensure this is through the sport, football.
Taking into consideration the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament held, that serves as a good example of how football helps create the sense of togetherness among citizens. Various Nigerian citizens came out cheering for our team, the Nigeria Super Eagles. After each game, the thrill felt by each Nigerian as we came close to winning. What a wonderful experience that was. It sure left a positive effect and a sense of togetherness in the Nigerian society even if we came second.
Another importance of football to our society is that it helps create awareness of our health status. Being able to watch your best player play on the field inspires us to involve ourselves in any form of training in order to make us physically fit. Ask any kid you come across to mention any athlete they know, and I’m sure they will be able to mention many. This is because football helps in inspiring individuals to achieve their goals. Listening to life changing experiences that most players went through to get to where they are now helps to motivate individuals in achieving whatever they set their mind bringing about acceptance, that individuals can indeed achieve anything.
Apart from these reasons, is the fact that football plays a crucial role in the Nigerian economy. The last presidential election held in Nigeria led to many disputes, but during the AFCON tournament, people came together regardless of the disputes they had. If a country wins a football tournament, it helps elevate their economic system, increasing the rate of the country’s economic development and also brings about peace and Unity.
To conclude, football plays an essential role in our lives that cannot be neglected. It helps bring people together regardless of the difference that exists between us. It helps create that sense of togetherness among us. The sensational feeling of coming together in order to support our football team brings joy to the heart of every Nigerian. It helps us realize that regardless of the difference in our background, tribes, and ethnicity, in the end we are just a group of citizens who can face any obstacle if we stand together, that’s what makes us love football.
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Olorunmonumi’s essay serves as a poignant reminder of the impact sports can have on society.
His reflections on the Africa Cup of Nations illustrate how, in moments of national pride and shared joy, sports can inspire unity and a collective spirit of belonging.
His insights underscore the powerful role football plays—not just as a game, but as a tool for inspiring resilience, encouraging physical health, and bridging divides across backgrounds and beliefs.
We are proud to recognize his accomplishment, and we hope his words inspire others to see sports as a unifying force for positive change in Nigeria and beyond.
Congratulations to Olorunmonumi on his third-place finish in this year’s KAF IDSDP essay competition!
