Ethnicity, conflict and peace‐building: effects of European football support in Nigeria

Abstract

In recent times, sport has been exploited as a tool for engendering peace in communities, cities and between nations of the world. At the same time, questions and doubts have been raised as to whether sport has the capacity to transform individuals, and conflict/violent behaviours. This study, a participatory research, observed the influence of football fanaticism/support in bringing together youths and non‐youths alike to develop a new sense of identity (ethnicity), different from those based on primordial factors, of common descent, language, religion and cultural heritage, which raise growing concern for violent conflict. It was discovered that football's capacity to integrate people was high but could, if not controlled, produce another form of ethnic conflict based on club identity. It was recommended that if sport (football) is to be designed for peace‐building, tolerance education must be introduced for football lovers.