Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament Kicks Off August 7 in Katsina
By Lurwanu Idris Malikawa
The 2026 edition of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau Pre-Season Tournament, tagged the Gusau/Ahlan Cup, will kick off on August 7, 2026, at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
The Coordinator of the annual tournament, Alhaji Abahuraira Dahiru, disclosed this in a press statement, saying the 10-day competition will feature 16 clubs drawn from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria National League (NNL).
According to him, the participating clubs have already indicated their interest in taking part in what has become one of the country’s most prestigious pre-season football tournaments.
Dahiru said the Local Organising Committee (LOC), chaired by the Chairman of the Jigawa State Football Association, Alhaji Sabo Abdullahi, is working tirelessly to ensure that this year’s edition is the most successful since the tournament’s inception.
He urged clubs interested in participating to contact the tournament secretariat on 08068078080 for further information and registration.
The coordinator explained that the tournament began in Kano six years ago and has since rotated across different parts of the country to promote sportsmanship, unity and football development.
He commended the Katsina State Government, under Governor Umar Dikko Radda, for accepting to host this year’s edition, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the development of football and sports in general.
Dahiru assured that the Local Organising Committee would work closely with the Katsina State Football Association (KFA) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free tournament.
He also called on football enthusiasts and residents of Katsina State to support the competition to make it a memorable and successful event.
The tournament was hosted by the Nasarawa State Government in 2025, with Kano Pillars Football Club emerging as champions
