By Aderonke Ojo
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has backed the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.
The initiative seeks to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection and treatment through football and humanitarian action.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja during the official launch which featured the event logo, kits and 60-day countdown to the charity football match.
The campaign is with the theme ‘Play for Prevention, Score for Life’ and is expected to unite football legends and cancer advocates.
Government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders are also expected to participate in the campaign.
Speaking on behalf of NICRAT’s Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute supported the initiative’s broad reach.
Sawyer said the campaign could reach millions of Nigerians with vital information about cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.
She stressed that the initiative went beyond fundraising, as it would educate Nigerians on preventing cancer and seeking prompt medical attention.
According to her, football provides a powerful platform for reaching diverse communities with life-saving health messages.
She added that football legends could use their influence to promote cancer awareness and encourage Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Earlier, Jacob Onu, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), said the event would transcend sport.
Onu said the initiative was designed to evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.
He said former international football stars would amplify messages on prevention, early detection, treatment, research and support for patients.
According to him, the event would celebrate life, honour cancer victims and encourage survivors and people battling the disease.
“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” Onu said.
He urged Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become campaign ambassadors by promoting healthy lifestyles and regular medical checks.
Onu also encouraged Nigerians to seek early medical attention whenever they noticed symptoms or health concerns.
He appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.
The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as well as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
He also appreciated sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for supporting the campaign and its objectives.
Onu assured that the organising committee would deliver an event meeting international standards and creating a lasting legacy.
He said the legacy would span cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.
In a goodwill message, Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), expressed concern over rising cancer prevalence globally.
Gumel called for sustained action beyond the charity football match, urging organisers to extend the campaign nationwide.
He appealed for the initiative to reach all 36 states of the federation rather than remaining concentrated in Abuja.
The NOC president also urged governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.
He warned that cancer could pose an even greater threat to Nigeria without decisive intervention.
“I pledge my support for the initiative and urge Nigerians to make cancer screening a regular practice through periodic medical checks,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Usman Waziri, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment.
Waziri said NICRAT would ensure that the initiative contributed positively and sustainably to Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.
NAN reports that stakeholders described cancer prevention as a shared responsibility requiring collective action from individuals, government and organisations.
They urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, undergo regular screening and seek early medical intervention.
The 60-day countdown has officially begun, with the charity match expected to combine football, humanitarian action and nationwide cancer awareness.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo