By Desire Uzochukwu
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, NICRAT, has thrown its weight behind a charity football match featuring former soccer stars as part of efforts to take cancer prevention and early detection messages to millions of Nigerians.
The first World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer Charity Football Match, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled in Abuja with the launch of its official logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the event.
Representing the Director-General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the popularity of football offered an opportunity to reach Nigerians with lifesaving cancer information beyond conventional health campaigns.
She said the initiative was not merely about raising funds but also about educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, regular screening and the importance of seeking medical attention when symptoms occur.
According to Sawyer, football could help take cancer awareness to populations that may not ordinarily engage with traditional health advocacy platforms.
The initiative is expected to bring together former football legends, cancer advocates, government agencies, corporate organizations and other stakeholders to promote cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.
National Coordinator of the Main Organizing Committee, Jacob Onu, said the campaign was designed to evolve beyond the football match into a broader national and international movement against cancer.
He said the former football stars would deploy their influence to encourage Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, undergo regular medical checks and seek early care when necessary.
Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to support the campaign and make cancer prevention a personal and community priority.
Also speaking, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the growing burden of cancer in the country and called for stronger emphasis on prevention, screening and access to treatment.
Gumel urged Nigerians to make cancer screening part of their routine health checks, stressing that awareness should not end with the charity match.
He also called for the campaign to be taken to all 36 states to expand its reach and impact.
The Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to ensuring that the initiative supports Nigeria’s broader cancer-control efforts.
The organizers said the event would combine football, humanitarian action and health advocacy, using the influence of former football stars to encourage Nigerians to take cancer prevention and early detection seriously.
With the 60-day countdown underway, organizers and partners are expected to intensify mobilization and public awareness activities ahead of the match.
