How Football Unites Youth in Maiduguri as New European Season Kicks Off

By Adamu Aliyu Ngulde, Maiduguri

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — As the 2025–2026 seasons of Europe’s biggest football leagues — the English Premier League and Spain’s La Liga — kick off this month, the passion of the game is resonating thousands of kilometers away in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

From neighborhood fields to dusty open spaces, young people gather daily to play football, watch their favorite clubs, and share dreams of one day competing at the highest levels. Despite years of insecurity, displacement, and economic hardship, the sport continues to provide an outlet for unity, resilience, and hope.

“Football is what keeps us together,” said Alhaji Kagu Abadam, proudly wearing a Chelsea jersey. “Even when we argue about who is the best team, at the end of the day we sit, watch, and play together like brothers.”

Global Game, Local Passion

On a warm evening at Elkanemi Warriors, Arsenal supporter Sani Sa’idu and Barcelona fan Ali Kura joined Abadam in a spirited debate over transfers and title chances. Sa’idu believes Arsenal’s young squad is ready to challenge for the Premier League, while Kura insists Barcelona will dominate La Liga with their rising stars.

“The Premier League is the toughest in the world,” Sa’idu said, waving a red-and-white scarf. “Arsenal is going to prove themselves this season.”

Kura laughed in response: “Barcelona is still the heart of football. When we play, the whole world watches.”

Such debates, often heated but always friendly, echo across Maiduguri’s viewing centers and street corners. Satellite TV and social media keep fans closely connected to global football, and jerseys of clubs from Madrid to Manchester are common sights.

Football as Healing

For many, the game is more than entertainment. In a city still recovering from Boko Haram insurgency and devastating floods, football offers a sense of normalcy and belonging.

“Football is healing for these young people,” said Abubakar Ali, a local coach who organizes youth tournaments. “It gives them discipline, teaches teamwork, and most importantly, it keeps them away from negative influences.”

Even when their favorite clubs play thousands of miles away, Maiduguri youths recreate the drama on dusty pitches. Teams with mismatched jerseys fight for glory in local competitions that draw small but passionate crowds.

Looking Ahead

As global stars like Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham prepare for new campaigns in Europe, Maiduguri’s youths are also setting their own goals. Informal youth leagues are scheduled to begin in coming weeks, offering young talents a chance to showcase their skills.

“We argue about Chelsea, Arsenal, or Barcelona,” said Abadam. “But when we step on the field here, we forget all that. We are just one team, one family.”

For Sa’idu, the dream is simple: “Maybe one day one of us from Maiduguri will play in the Premier League or La Liga. Until then, we will keep playing and watching together.”